Tributes have been made to a loving father and 'artist to the stars', who created artwork for royalty.

Folkestone-born artist Malcolm Maxted passed away on Thursday, May 21 at his home in Orpington. He was 74.

During his career, Mr Maxted designed a huge variety of posters and adverts for films, TV shows, and events.

This included a Michael Jackson concert, as well as numerous Royal Variety and Eurovision song contest brochures.

His son Michael said that his death has left a hole for everyone in the family.

He said: "It was just such a shock, one minute you are here and the next you are gone.

"The paramedics told us that it was a heart attack, he'd had one before and had stents in, but we found out later that it was something to do with fluid on his lungs."

A talented artist, Mr Maxted went to St Peter's School in Folkestone, and Preliminary Art School in Hythe.

Michael continued: "I've still got some of his artwork from when he was 14 or 15, and it is absolutely fantastic.

"I think it was clear from a young age what he wanted to do, what he was passionate about."

A grandfather of three, Mr Maxted married in 1976 and moved to Orpington, where he produced art for a huge variety of posters and adverts for film and TV shows.

His work also won him royal recognition with his Royal Variety work.

His son explained: "He would produce the brochures himself, and the Queen would get a special gold copy each year that he did with his own hand.

"He did a fair bit of work with the royal family, he did some work for Charles and Camilla - not to mention doing some posters for Eurovision.

"He was almost a representative of another industry, because now it's all online.

"There have been people from all over the place sending us messages, he really left a mark."

However, it was a legacy as a loving and generous family man that Mr Maxted left with those closest to him.

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Michael said: "He would always love to have family over for events, and he would definitely have us over for a barbecue in weather like this.

"He always wanted to help everyone out, be it carrying out tasks or paying for things, he'd always be the one to offer to sort out everyone's problems.

"We were always so grateful, and it's one of those things we'll remember about him when he's gone."

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