Nigel Farage portrait displayed at Royal Academy goes unsold

'He’s Mr Brexit isn’t he,' says artist David Griffiths

A portrait of Nigel Farage has gone unsold at one of Britain’s most prestigious art shows.

The painting shows the former Ukip leader standing with his arms crossed wearing his signature purple-striped tie.

Priced at £25,000, the work by David Griffiths failed to attract any interest at the Royal Academy’s summer exhibition, curated by the artist Grayson Perry.

But the artist said he was not disappointed the portrait had not been sold.

“These things ebb and flow,” he told The Sun. “Prices of paintings like everything else, aren’t set in stone. It would certainly be gratifying if Nigel’s portrait were to find a good home.”

He said the idea of painting Mr Farage had been suggested by a friend. He added: “He is a major figure, whatever you think of him. He’s Mr Brexit isn’t he”.

Mr Griffiths has previously painted the Prince of Wales and the former prime minister, James Callaghan.

It comes after Mr Farage announced he would return to actively campaigning in British politics after he stepped down as Ukip leader in November 2016.

A portrait of Mr Farage’s fellow-Brexiteer, Jacob Rees-Mogg, at the same exhibition sold for £450.