Royal Paintbox

Royal Paintbox premiered in 2013 with an active participation from His Royal Highness, Prince Charles, known in Scotland as Duke of Rothesay. The documentary delivers an intimate insight into the British Royal family's passion for the arts, specifically focusing on painting, through the narrative offered by Prince Charles. This film has been inspired and influenced by the deep-rooted love for arts among the Royal family, charting back decades, spanning across various members of the family.

The allure of this documentary is in the details. It’s not just a disquisition on the art pieces and influences but also the life experiences and stories of those who indulged in painting. With Prince Charles as the narrator of this enchanting documentary, viewers get an incredible opportunity to see a kaleidoscope of dazzling art pieces fashioned by The Prince and other members of the Royal Family.

Royal Paintbox is more than a film; it is an exploration of generations of the Windsor heir apparents’ ardor for self-expression through art, allowing a unique viewer experience. The movie showcases an assemblage of paintings and drawings going back over five generations, which were collected in the ‘Royal Paintbox’ - an actual wooden box carrying a collection of paints and brushes. This collection served as the inspiration for Margy Kinmonth, the director, to embark on a broader voyage to discover works of art by members of the family spanning across three centuries.

The documentary introduces audiences to stunning unseen masterpieces of art created by royals themselves over the years, including those created by Queen Victoria and her children. The works uncover the private world of the royals, their passion for painting, and how they used artwork as an emotional outlet and a vehicle to document their life experiences and historical events.

As a passionate advocate of the arts, the Prince provides astute commentary on numerous art pieces and their historical context. He guides the viewers through the hallways of grand Royal residencies scattered throughout the United Kingdom, from Windsor Castle to the Queen's Private Royal Library. Prince Charles' personal anecdotes and his profound knowledge of art history guide the viewers, aiding them in understanding the story behind each piece of artwork.

Particularly touching is the Prince's reflections on his personal journey as an artist. From his early beginnings, where his grandmother Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, influenced him, through his years of refinement and to his travels around the world that inspired his own portfolio of work. He shares his deep love for watercolor painting and how it has shaped him, offering solace and a creative outlet away from his royal duties.

Prince Charles’ approach to this project is both candid and charming. His artistic critique is thought-provoking, engaging the viewers not only with the beauty of the artwork but also the unique perspectives and historical contexts provided for each piece. The documentary does a splendid job showcasing the long-held family tradition that often remains hidden from public purview.

In her direction, Margy Kinmonth skillfully weaves history, art, and personal narrative in a way that is both informative and moving, thereby successfully evoking admiration and fascination among the viewers. Whether it’s the landscapes painted by His Royal Highness during his trips abroad or the intricate marks of the handprints of ancient Scottish ancestors collected by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, each artwork comes with a compelling story.

Royal Paintbox is a spectacular watch for those with an interest in both history and art. It beautifully offers a never-seen-before understanding of the royal family through their eyes, exhibiting a fusion of their royal engagements, personal emotions, as well as historic events they directly influenced or participated in.

As a documentary, Royal Paintbox is a unique study that utilizes art as a pathway to delve deeper into the private lives of the royals, the mythology of the royal family, and Britain’s rich and elaborate history. It’s a rare opportunity to experience the association and deep appreciation the British monarchy shares with the world of art, captivatingly presented through the lens of one of their own, Prince Charles. It's an enriching journey through the royals' past and present, narrated with passion and artistry that resonates with viewers.