The colourful digital sketch depicts NFU members Freya Morgan, Nigel Barnes, Gordon Redman and Diccon Burman in the centre of Hitchin, North Hertfordshire.
They were participating in the Farming Day of Unity on Saturday 25 January, a day which saw farmers and growers gather in towns and cities in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to thank the British public for their support and to discuss the NFU’s Stop the Family Farm Tax campaign.
Meet the artist
Artist Matthew Slater, who lives in Luton, Bedfordshire, said: “I grew up on a fruit farm in Worcestershire in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Farming is in my blood.
“So, when I saw a couple of tractors in the middle of Hitchin, I knew straight away I wanted to capture the scene.”
Matthew completed the sketch in just one hour and forty five minutes and hopes it may help to draw people’s attention to the Stop the Family Farm Tax campaign.
“If anyone finds the picture interesting and it makes them want to learn more about the campaign, then I’d be happy that it helps in a small way.”
Artist Matthew Slater
He said he had a “huge respect” for farmers and that farming “is not just a job but a way of life”.
He added: “They work hard in all conditions to feed the nation. I completely sympathise with farmers over the situation they are in.”
Commemorating a momentous day
Mrs Morgan, who is NFU Bedfordshire and Huntingdonshire chair, said: “You never expect to see yourself appear in artwork but it’s a really nice drawing and a great way for us to remember a fantastic day.
“We had such a positive response from the public - it was great to feel that appreciation.”
Events held across the east garnered strong public support. Bedfordshire farmers were also out speaking to the public in supermarket car parks in Bedford on Saturday.
In Hertfordshire, farmers spoke to people in Welwyn Garden City and reported an overwhelmingly positive response.
Matthew finished by stating: “If anyone finds the picture interesting and it makes them want to learn more about the campaign, then I’d be happy that it helps in a small way.”
Find out more about Mr Slater's work by visiting matthewslater.art.
123040,123041
Beds & Hunts County Chair Freya Morgan with members in Hitchin Market Square...
