A talented artist from Doncaster has unveiled a dramatic portrait of one of the city's most acclaimed chefs, launching an ambitious painting project that will showcase 12 culinary creators from around the world in action. Rob Wilmot revealed his impressive 6-foot by 4-foot portrait of Michael Price, who operates The Gourmet Dining Room from his home overlooking Town Fields, during a packed unveiling event that drew friends, customers, and suppliers.
The inspiration for this remarkable artwork came after Wilmot dined at Price's establishment and was captivated by watching the chef work. "The portrait of Michael marks the first in a series of 12 paintings of chefs from around the world that I'm painting throughout the coming year, culminating in an exhibition and book," Wilmot explained. He described being mesmerized by observing Price "in his element, preparing every dish, with precision and intent, whilst maintaining a state of flow – it just had to be captured on canvas!"
The underlying theme connecting all the chefs in Wilmot's planned series is their shared journey of career transformation. Each chef left their previous profession to follow their passion and establish their own restaurants, creating the food they truly love. In Price's case, his path to culinary excellence began in the music industry, where he spent many years working at Doncaster's acclaimed Music Ground guitar shop located in Hall Gate.
During his time at the vintage guitar shop, Price served an impressive roster of big-name musicians, including Oasis star Noel Gallagher, The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, and Canadian rock legend Bryan Adams. The shop was operated by former rocker Rick Harrison and his son Justin Harrison, who happens to be the father of Doncaster rock star Yungblud. This musical background adds an intriguing layer to Price's culinary journey and demonstrates the diverse paths that can lead to gastronomic excellence.
At 49 years old, Price has been perfecting his culinary craft for more than two decades and currently runs what he describes as an "incredibly busy" and successful supper club restaurant from his home in Town Moor. The popularity of his dishes has created such high demand that seating is extremely limited, with reservations often booked months in advance. Before establishing The Gourmet Dining Room, Price previously operated Clam and Cork on Doncaster Market, building his reputation in the local culinary scene.
The unveiling event drew a capacity crowd to The Gourmet Dining Room, with guests cramming into the space to catch their first glimpse of Wilmot's striking portrait. The enthusiastic response from attendees highlights both the local appreciation for Price's culinary talents and the community's excitement about Wilmot's artistic project. As Wilmot continues work on his series of chef portraits throughout the coming year, the project promises to celebrate the passion and dedication of culinary artists while showcasing the diverse backgrounds and stories that shape the restaurant industry.
