An opportunity to own an original artwork by Nathaniel Boyd

Southwell Music Festival is pleased to partner with artist and cellist Nathaniel Boyd, selling a unique and original oil painting of Southwell Minster to raise funds for the Festival.

Nathaniel has performed as part of the Festival Sinfonia and as a Festival Chamber Soloist and is an internationally recognised chamber musician and soloist, regularly performing at the world’s leading concert halls as well as right here at Southwell Music Festival.

As an artist, Nathaniel draws inspiration from the cityscapes and landscapes he encounters during his travels, working in various mediums.

Inspired by his visits to Southwell and performing in Southwell Minster, Nathaniel has produced oil paintings depicting the Minster and its surroundings. We are now pleased to be selling one of those paintings, The Minster by Night, to raise funds for the Festival.

We asked Nathaniel to tell us more about the painting and his approach to his artistic practice:

It’s been a great joy and privilege working closely with Southwell Music Festival over the years. I cherish many happy memories of concerts given in the Minster, and when the commission came to paint this incredible building, I was immediately drawn to capturing the majesty and drama of the Minster. It is a profoundly creative space in a unique setting, and I love how it stands proud of its environment, reaching for the sky. I chose to paint the Minster at night under a moonlit sky because it evokes for me that special time of the late-night concerts when magical sounds reverberate around its walls.

He adds:

My approach to painting very much echoes that of my approach to playing the cello. The aim is to clear the mind and allow the image to unfold in response to the moment. In a sense, it’s a product of its time in the same way as a performance. I find this allows a fresh, spontaneous and subconscious approach to the subject matter.

How to bid for the painting

Offers in excess of £1,500 should be submitted to Southwell Music Festival by 31 July 2025 by emailing Festival Manager Sarah Rennix at SAR@southwellmusicfestival.com.

The painting is 70cm wide x 84cm high and weighs approx. 5 kg. These dimensions include the frame, which is approx 6cm deep.

If you are interested and would like to see the artwork before placing your bid, we can arrange a private viewing with Marcus Farnsworth or Amanda Farr.

Nathaniel will also be exhibiting a selection of his work at this year’s Festival with paintings available to purchase. To discover more about Nathaniel’s work as an artist and cellist, visit nathanielboyd.com.

All monies raised from the sale of the painting will go towards funding Southwell Music Festival (registered charity number 1153135).