Local Business Owners Honored with Royal-Style Portraits at Saatchi Gallery Exhibition
Coca-Cola commissions leading artists to create portraits of four high street heroes for the 'Local Royalty' exhibition in London.
Four small business owners, celebrated for their contributions to their local communities, are now the subjects of a new art exhibition at London's Saatchi Gallery. The exhibition, titled 'Local Royalty,' features portraits of these high street heroes created by artists known for their work with the British Royal Family.
Commissioned by Coca-Cola, the exhibition aims to elevate the status of individuals who are vital to the daily life of their communities, drawing parallels with the traditional subjects of royal portraiture. The exhibition runs from October 28 to November 1.
Among those immortalized is Simon Dafforn-Jones, the landlord of the Ferry Boat Inn in Dittisham, Devon. His portrait was painted by Jamie Coreth, an artist who previously created the first official joint portrait of the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Coreth stated that honoring everyday people continues a long-standing tradition in portraiture.
Pindy Kaur, owner of the Ocean Fish Bar in Barnsley, has been portrayed by Nicky Philipps. Philipps is known for her previous work with Queen Elizabeth II, having painted the late monarch on three occasions. Philipps described her experience with Kaur as a privilege, calling her the "fish and chip queen of the north." Kaur has been a fixture in Barnsley since the early 2000s, transforming her shop into a community hub.
Gino Verecchia, owner of Glasgow's University Café, has been painted by Gareth Reid. Reid's work includes a portrait of the King, then Prince of Wales, which hangs in Hillsborough Castle. The University Café has been in Verecchia's family for three generations, having been established by his grandfather in 1918.
Kaual Patel, who has managed Torridon Convenience Store in Catford, south-east London, since 2000, was the subject of a portrait by Nick Bashall. Bashall has previously completed several portraits of Princess Anne. Patel has dedicated two decades to making his store a central part of the Catford community.
Each of the featured business owners will retain their portrait and will also receive a donation for a charity of their choice.