One voice sounded particularly clear through the years of WWII and became a symbol of the wartime era and an inspiration for the Allied troops worldwide. It belongs to The Forces’ Sweetheart; Dame Vera Lynn.

Now, at the age of 102, a painted portrait of the legendary singer has been carried out by Norwegian artist Ross Kolby in collaboration with Dame Vera herself and her family. The portrait is commissioned by the London Mint Office and will be unveiled on 13 January at the Royal Albert Hall - a venue where she has performed 52 times since 1938.

The portrait commemorates Dame Vera’s legendary contribution during WWII and the 75th anniversary of the peace in 1945. Then the painting will be permanently exhibited on a new location.