Figure and portrait painter who initially attended Heatherley’s School of Fine Art. He was then faced with a dilemma as to where to study next. Visiting one prominent art school on a very cold day, Heathcote suggested they turn on an old radiator in a corner, but was told that this was a sculpture of distinction. He was persuaded by his mother Lesley to look abroad to further learn the classical artist’s disciplines and opted for the Florence Academy of Fine Art, 1992–5. Heathcote returned to London to start his career as a professional painter and by the time of his 2005 solo show Nostalgic Journeys, at the Albemarle Gallery, had completed over 100 commissions. These included Prince Jeffrey of Brunei, The Duke and Duchess of St Albans, The Earl of Bradford, The Countess of Effingham and Lord Selsdon, also “many notable captains of industry and commerce as well as celebrities in the world of film, theatre and television.