When the chance to work for one of the world’s biggest rock groups came knocking on artist Jon Ellinor’s door, he knew it was going to be a stairway to heaven.
The 25-year-old received a commission impossible to turn down - he was asked to produce a painting for legendary Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page.
The deal was that should the painting live up the Page’s high standards, it would be signed by the rock star and added to an exhibition of Led Zeppelin memorabilia celebrating the 40th anniversary of the band.
Jon, who lives in St Ives and grew up in Earith, told The Hunts Post that his work has now been given the Page seal of approval and is among the collection of rare vinyl, old concert tickets, clothing and other items going on display in Hertfordshire. His painting depicts the band in their very early days and was produced from a photograph taken in the 1960s.
“The painting is now part of the Led Zeppelin exhibition at Knebworth House and is being offered worldwide as a competition prize to raise money for charity,” he said.
Tickets to win the signed painting are available through a website - as is another prize signed by Page, a Meridian stereo donated by the Huntingdon-based firm.
Jon was asked to get involved in the project after his work was seen hanging in a furniture shop in St Ives.
Annie Hollinshead, who works for the ABC Trust - a charity set up by Page to help Brazilian orphans - spotted his artwork in Furnish 4 Less earlier this year.
“Annie saw it and contacted me and asked if I wanted to do this. Yes, was the obvious answer.
“I was very pleased with the painting and delighted that Jimmy Page signed it.”
Jon studied photography at college in Cambridge and set up his own studio in February.
His business, AKTIV Portraits, is in the grounds of Huntingdon Garden and Leisure in Wyton where he specialises in portrait and wedding photography as well as painting.
As yet, Jon has not met the Led Zeppelin legend but is hopeful Page will be at Knebworth House when the charity exhibition opens next Friday (August 1).
“He is a difficult man to get to talk to, but I’m told he was impressed with the painting,” he said.
INFORMATION: View Jon’s work at www.aktiv-portraits.co.uk. The Led Zeppelin exhibition runs until Wednesday, September 3 - more details www.memoriesinmusic.com. Tickets for the prize draw cost £2.50.
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