The late HM Queen Elizabeth II was a collector of Rick Lewis' work and in 1990 wrote to Rick to personally acknowledge her admiration for his work, which she prized in her private collection at Buckingham Palace. The late Queen Mother also commissioned Rick to sculpt her grandson, HM King Charles, portraying his inauguration as Master of the Royal Order of the Bath. What set this commission apart was that it was the only time Prince Charles sported a moustache.  

The Nixon administration commissioned Rick to sculpt three sets of life size ‘Peace Swans’. President Richard Nixon presented one pair, as a gift to the American people, to Chairman Mao, The Chinese Premier. The second pair was presented to Pope Paul and are on permanent display in the Vatican Museum while the third pair are on permanent display in the Metropolitan Museum in New York.  

During his esteemed career in New Zealand, Rick sculpted a kingfisher for Lady Diana and Prince Charles, which was presented to them during their state visit to the country in 1983.  

Rick was commissioned to create several other works of art as state gifts for many distinguished world leaders such as President George Bush and the King of Malaysia. He was also called to commemorate in bronze the achievements of Mark Todd, New Zealand’s double Olympic gold medalist at the three-day event. 

His most notable work for the people of New Zealand is his Kiwi which resides permanently in the ‘Beehive’; the centre of Government in Wellington. Now known as ‘Proud Kiwi’, and image of this sculpture adorns gold coins produced by the New Zealand Mint. He was later presented with the M.B.E. and A.R.A. for his contribution to fine art and design in New Zealand.