Prince Charles is preserving the memory of Holocaust survivors through a unique series of paintings.
In March 2020, Charles, who is patron of the National Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, commissioned a series of artists to paint seven people who lived through the trauma of the Holocaust. And it has been recorded in a new documentary, Survivors: Portraits of the Holocaust.
Charles gave an interview for the documentary, which will air on the BBC in the U.K. on Holocaust Memorial Day, January 27.
“As the number of Holocaust survivors sadly, but inevitably, declines, my abiding hope is that this special collection will act as a further guiding light for our society, reminding us not only of history’s darkest days, but of humanity’s interconnectedness as we strive to create a better world for our children, grandchildren and generations as yet unborn; one where hope is victorious over despair and love triumphs over hate,” he said in a statement.
The prince has made it a central plank of his public work to both recognize the unique contribution that different religions bring to the U.K. and the world, and to bring different communities together.
According to the BBC, viewers will hear the testimonies of seven men and women “who witnessed one of the greatest atrocities in human history, and will meet the artists tasked with creating portraits that represent their pain and loss, as well as their dignity, light and hope.”
The paintings will be on display at The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace and then at Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland.