THE brother of ceramic artist Richard Budd has paid tribute to his kindness and sense of humour following his death at the age of 87.

Mr Budd's artwork made it into Royal circles when he painted a plaque for the wedding of Charles and Diana, the then Prince and Princess of Wales.

Mr Budd, who was born in Worcester on March 11, 1915, worked as a freelance ceramic artist from his home in Northwick for most of his life.

He worked at Royal Worcester Porcelain from the age of 16 to 18, under the apprenticeship of Harry Davies.

He then joined the clothing trade and sold clothing to farmers to support his painting.

During the Second World War, Mr Budd worked in a factory in Longbridge, near Birmingham, on Lancaster bombers.

Later, he became a freelance ceramic artist, painting porcelain.

"The early days in his career were a great struggle, but he persevered in the work that he loved," said Mr Budd's brother, Geoff, aged 80.

"He then went out to carve a career that led to his work being represented all over the world.

"He was commissioned by the RAF Association to paint a ram's head vase for presentation to the Dutch royal family in October, 1971.

"Unfortunately, Richard's fear of flying prevented him travelling to Holland to present the vase to them, and our brother Bill had to do this on his behalf.

"He painted a plaque which was presented to the Prince and Princess of Wales on the occasion of their marriage."

Mr Budd, who lived in Northwick, retired in his early 80s.

"It's a shame his talent has gone unnoticed, " said his brother, of Fernhill Heath.

"Richard was a very kind man with a wonderful sense of humour and enjoyed nothing more than a good party and meeting his many friends for a drink in the local."

Mr Budd spent the last two years of his life in Henwick Grange Nursing Home, Hallow Road, before passing away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, April 10.

His funeral was held at Worcester Crematorium on Monday, April 22.