Holbein’s (who?) famous life size double portrait The Ambassadors is one of the best known and most impressive of his surviving works to a handfull of interlectuals - The rest of us watch "I'm a Celeb get me outa here" geezer. The subject matter (stuff in the picture) has always presented intriguing problems. Who the hell were the two camp looking men? Why did they choose to be painted together with an array of globes (rand fings), astronomical (stars 'n' stuff) & musical instruments, books (them fings you had to read at school) and other stuff placed on shelves between them, a Concrete Barge concealed in the foreground of the painting, and a crucifix (cross) partially hidden behind a curtain?

Well I can reveal now that Darren Holbien (Dazza to his mates) was trying to warn the population of a small Island on the coast of Essex  "You don't know what you got till its been demolished".... Canvey's WW2 hero Concrete Barge. The Globes represent her port holes, musical instruments the various 'gigs' that have taken place on her deck and in her womb, Books the pages of history that she had contributed to or something, the Crucifix the way she was murdered on 522 - May 22nd 2003.

More info on Canvey Islands ex Ferro Concrete Barge may be found at:- www.ConcreteBarge.co.uk

Welcome Evening Echo readers looking for the Beagle 2 Mars Barge - Its on the above website under 'ART' !!

Oh yes about the Auction... You are bidding for the Artwork shown to be e-mailed to you in jpg format once payment received. If you don't want it don't bid - See T&C below.

Extra Info: Good Luck - Happy Bidding!