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Nelson Mandela's paintings on display in London for first time

Saturday, 30 January 2016 10:12 AM [ Last Update: Saturday, 30 January 2016 10:13 AM ]

A file picture taken on November 28, 2003 shows former South African President Nelson Mandela addressing a press conference in front of his former prison cell on Robben Island, off Cape Town. AFP

Nelson Mandela was known as a writer, and of course a politician who was a former president of South Africa.

But not many people know that he was also an artist. Now, a selection of his work is going on sale for the first time in London.

Mandela produced the drawings using charcoal and pastels in the years following his presidency. He began sketching at home in his dining room in 2001.

The drawings reflect Mandela’s time as a prisoner on Robben Island, as well as other sights, and objects that were significant to him.

The collection of original artworks remained hidden away over the course of a decade. But they will now go on sale after his death at the age of 95 in 2013. The money raised will go to his family and to charity.

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