Some evenings stay with you, and the charity sculpting event with Richard E. Grant at The Actors’ Church in Covent Garden was certainly one of them.

The evening saw acclaimed British sculptor Frances Segelman create a live portrait of Richard, giving guests a rare opportunity to watch a sculpture take shape right in front of them.

Frances has built an impressive reputation for capturing some of Britain’s best-known faces, with her subjects including members of the Royal Family, Dame Judi Dench, Dame Joan Collins and Dame Joanna Lumley. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Member of the Royal Society of British Sculptors, she is known for her speed, precision and ability to capture the character of her subjects while working live.

Watching an artist of her experience at work made for a fascinating evening, with the live sculpting followed by a Q&A exploring the creative process and the relationship between artist and sitter. Paintings by Victoria Perloff and sculptures by Josette Perloff were also exhibited, adding to the celebration of portraiture and figurative art.

But beyond the artistry, there was a particularly meaningful reason for bringing everyone together.

Richard chose Longfield Hospice in Gloucestershire as his nominated charity, following the care and support its team gave his late wife, Joan Washington, and their family. The hospice provides specialist care for people affected by life-limiting illness and supports their loved ones, making the evening a heartfelt way to give something back.

I was delighted to attend for SpotlightTalks and have the opportunity to ask Richard a question myself. It was a genuinely beautiful event, bringing together art, generosity and a cause that clearly means so much.

Watch my conversation with Richard E. Grant below.

All proceeds from the event were intended to support Longfield Hospice and its vital work within the community.