Unpaid carers provide support worth £184 billion a year across England and Wales, yet many feel undervalued. According to the 2021 census, 24,300 people in Ealing and its seven towns provided unpaid care — a contribution Carers UK estimates to be worth a staggering £784 million.
To recognise this vital work, Specsavers Home Visits and Carers UK have unveiled The Most Valuable Portrait, painted by renowned artist Colin Davidson. Based on Wandsworth carer Jaycee La Bouche, the portrait symbolises millions who care for loved ones without formal recognition.
Mr Davidson said: ““It was an honour to create ‘The Most Valuable Portrait’. This artwork is not just about one person; it represents all the unpaid carers who deserve to be seen and valued. For me, it was a special commission to capture these unsung heroes who contribute as much to society as the celebrated public figures I typically paint,”
London auction house Roseberys has assigned the portrait a symbolic value of £184 billion — matching the national economic value of unpaid care and underlining its social importance.
Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK added: “Without unpaid carers, our health and social care system would collapse. Carers UK is excited to be part of ‘The Most Valuable Portrait’, working with Specsavers Home Visits to raise awareness and put carers’ stories in the spotlight. We want to see greater acknowledgement for the true value of unpaid care, a lifeline for many that often goes unrecognised.”
Ms La Bouche said: “Caring for my mother has always been a natural choice for me; and one I embrace wholeheartedly. Home services like Specsavers’ eye tests are invaluable in ensuring people like my mother who cannot leave their home without help, can still receive the care they need.”
Proceeds from the portrait’s sale will go to Carers UK and details about it can be found here.
