A SPECIAL painting to commemorate the life of Diana, Princess of Wales is coming to Dorset.

The original and allegorical painting "TO THE CHASE" painted by contemporary master André Durand will be exhibited at The Eastbury Hotel in Sherborne, situated in the Library Room, for the next six weeks.

This large canvas is one of a number painted by Durand inspired by the Princess.

The painting depicts Princess Diana as the Roman goddess of the hunt, like a luminous apparition in the local Cerne Abbas, Dorset countryside.

The Eastbury was acquired by Peter & Lana de Savary earlier this year and when they met Durand who was staying at the Hotel, they were inspired by his work and in particular the two allegories he was creating of the Princess in Dorset.

Mr De Savary said: "Durand's painting has captured the essential spirit of the Princess and set it deep in the Dorset countryside, which is some of the most beautiful in England, and also will remind our Eastbury guests of the colourful gardens awaiting them within the hotel grounds."

The display loan of "TO THE CHASE" by the artist is one of a number of exciting events André Durand has planned in conjunction with Peter & Lana de Savary for the next few months at The Eastbury Hotel.