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13 April 2018

Russell Tovey’s chiselled torso on display in new painting

The actor's painting is being auctioned for Terrence Higgins Trust charity

By Steve Brown

Russell Tovey has posed as an underwear-clad superhero for a new auction by HIV charity, the Terrence Higgins Trust.

The openly gay actor – who is engaged to rugby hunk Steve Brockman – has been painted by artist Christopher Garrington wearing nothing but white underwear, a green cape and blue mask.

Tovey – whose chiselled torso is on display – posted a picture on his Instagram account revealing bidding for the painting has started.

He wrote: “Bidding is now live on @paddle8 for @thtorguk painted by the very talented @garringtonart #yesitsapainting #yesitsapaintingnotaphoto [sic]”

The painting is set to be auctioned off this Monday and so far has already received 10 bids.

The description of the painting reads: “The subject of this painting, Russell Tovey, is one of the UK’s best known actors – he has starred in a diverse range of films, television shows and theatre productions.

“Currently working in America, he recently played the role of The Ray, a gay superhero who openly kissed a fellow gay superhero on Crisis on Earth-X.

“Shown on a prime American television channel, this scene gained much public admiration. This image was painted from a sitting with the artist to demonstrate that whatever your sexuality, childhood dreams of becoming a superhero are possible.

“The painting is by Christopher Garrington, who only very recently decided to follow a long-held dream of becoming an artist, moved to Florence for two years and now has a successful portrait and fine art practice in London.”

The official Twitter account for the Trust also posted the picture today (13.04.18) and asked for people to come down to the “world-famous auction-house” Christie’s London.#

You can bid for any of the items here.

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