A ROYAL artist who painted an iconic portrait of Eric Morecambe has revealed how the comedy legend had been worried it would look "too camp" as it heads to auction.

The work by artist Richard Stone, of West Bergholt, is among a collection of never-before-seen treasures belonging to the comedian being auctioned off in January.

The entire contents of the star’s house, Brachefield in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, is being sold after his widow, Joan, died in March aged 97. 

Auction experts say one of the most important items in the sale is the portrait by Richard which was displayed in Eric’s family home for decades.

Art - Richard Stone portrait of Eric Morecambe displayed in Eric's home, Brachefield, HarpendenArt - Richard Stone portrait of Eric Morecambe displayed in Eric's home, Brachefield, Harpenden (Image: Richard Stone / SWNS)
 Richard painted the star for an Anglia TV documentary and has now recalled working alongside the comedy genius who became a close friend. 

He said Eric had been worried the 'hand on the hip' pose would look too camp but was delighted with the final result which took pride of place in his home. 

Richard said: “I was only 27 back in 1978, I still can’t believe Eric agreed to sit for the portrait. 

"He was an absolute legend. On Christmas Day everything stopped for the Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show. 

1978 - Eric Morecambe and Richard Stone1978 - Eric Morecambe and Richard Stone (Image: Richard Stone / SWNS) "Everyone watched in it. In many ways I was very nervous. He was so funny I thought I might become his comedy stooge which would detract from my painting. 

“Anglia Television wanted to make a prime-time documentary of my artistic journey from being the son of a Colchester postman to a favourite Court artist. 

"An Anglia TV executive suggested asking his friend, Eric Morecambe, if there was any possibility he would subject himself to the scrutiny of not only a TV camera but also an almost unknown young artist. 

“After an initial meeting with me, Eric agreed to give it a go.

"A series of sittings were booked and a studio hired in a disused warehouse overlooking Tower Bridge in London.

"The filming of Morecambe and Stone was an incredibly enjoyable experience.

"Eric did nothing to overshadow me. He was kind and very interested in me. He thought I was worth investing time in.  

“I rose to the challenge of painting not just a famous comic but the man behind the mask."

Artist - Richard StoneArtist - Richard Stone (Image: Richard Stone / SWNS) The portrait is expected to fetch between £5,000-£8,000 when it goes under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers on January 10 next year.

Richard has painted Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Princess Margaret, Prince Andrew, Nelson Mandela, Margaret Thatcher, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Luciano Pavarotti and Dame Joan Sutherland. 

Sale manager Victoria Sheppard said: “It’s truly fantastic, an iconic painting of an iconic man by an extraordinary British artist. 

“It captures the character, heart and soul of Eric six years before the nation lost him to a heart attack in 1984 aged only 58. 

“The portrait took pride of place at Brachefield for 45 years. Bringing it to auction is a privilege."