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Winner of Turner Contemporary selfie competition is a Margate man

A selfie inspired by Van Dyck himself was the winner of our competition run in conjunction with Turner Contemporary.

Bob Henderson of Athelstan Road, Cliftonville, claimed top spot.

Our panel of judges said: “Congratulations to Bob for his fantastic selfie as Van Dyck’s final self-portrait.

Winner Bob Henderson of Athelstan Road, Margate, mimicking Van Dyck
Winner Bob Henderson of Athelstan Road, Margate, mimicking Van Dyck
Van Dyck's celebrated self portrait
Van Dyck's celebrated self portrait

“He has truly embodied the artist in this photograph and we think it is absolutely fantastic to see that Van Dyck’s legacy inspired him to stage it.”

Mr Henderson’s prize is a goody bag from Turner Contemporary’s shop worth £40, including a Van Dyck tote bag, a camera lens mug, mobile phone lenses, a selfie remote and a free family workshop session at the gallery for up to four people.

People sent in their pictures of themselves to help celebrate Turner Contemporary’s new exhibition Self: Image and Identity which runs until May 10 and features self-portraits in all of their forms.

When he submitted his entry, Mr Henderson said: "I decided to do a Van Dyck selfie, as it best describes my love of dressing up - I love fancy dress.

"I've got a bit of a ginger beard anyway and once the wig went on, I thought I looked a little bit like him.

"The gaffa tape, talcum powder and pillow case complete the look."

Meanwhile, the gallery has until the end of the month to raise the cash it needs to reach its £1million endowment target which will give it a more secure future.

Turner Contemporary, Margate
Turner Contemporary, Margate

If it manages to reach its target, it will unlock money from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Arts Council England.

Gallery spokesman Monique Kent said : "All funds raised through the endowment will help us continue making world-class art accessible to everyone, expand the learning and outreach programmes and make an even greater impact on Margate and Kent’s future.

"Thanks to the remarkable support of donors and visitors we have raised more than £750,000 but with four weeks remaining, everyone's support will be vital.

"Between now and March 31 all donations will be doubled and we hope people will give a gift today that will ensure the gallery’s tomorrow."

Donations can be made online here.

For information on Self: Image and Identity, click here.

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