The Mayfarer Cover Competition

The Mayfarer is an independent, quirky and timeless publication that celebrates the Mayfair area of London. The magazine follows in the footsteps of its sister publication The Covent Gardener and The City Courant is the latest addition to this beautiful collection which was founded by the lovely Jeannine Saba who is also the Editor.

The magazines shine a light on the culture, history, businesses and people who live in these much loved areas. I was attracted to these unique magazines because of their beautiful illustrations and it is refreshing to see actual printed publications that champion artwork.

The Mayfarer magazine in partnership with Jack Barclay Bentley Mayfair advertised a cover competition for its Autumn edition and the brief was to produce a piece of art work that celebrated the best of Mayfair. There are so many lovely things in Mayfair that I found it challenging to figure out what to include! I spent a day walking around Mayfair and wrote a list of things to consider including in my painting. Initially I thought about creating a collage but felt that because a cover is usually not much larger than A4 that the details in my work would be lost so I opted to paint an imaginary scene outside the entrance to the beautiful art deco hotel, Claridge's. I painted a vintage Bentley parked outside the hotel and the Royal Academy statue of Sir Joshua Reynolds PRA is standing opposite toasting Mayfair with a glass of Bucks Fizz and a Fortnum & Mason hamper is at his feet. An impeccably dressed Burlington Arcade Beadle is standing on the balcony overlooking the scene below. It was a fun scene to paint and I loved every minute!

The reason I chose Bucks Fizz is because head bartender Malachi ‘Pat’ McGarry of the Bucks Club (Clifford Street in Mayfair) invented the drink in 1921. The ingredients for a glass of Bucks Fizz are:

• 2 oz (60 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice

• 3 oz (90 ml) Champagne or other dry bubbly

• Splash of London dry gin

• Dash of cherry brandy

• Garnish: orange twist

I am proud to say that my painting was selected as a finalist for the cover competition and I attended the party to celebrate the finalists work which was hosted by Jack Barclay Mayfair. Nobody knew who had won and the winning entry was announced on the night, it was like the Oscars for artists!

The esteemed panel of judges consisted of theatre champion Joyce Hynter OBE, artist Ruth Marten, muralist Stinkfish, optical illusion artist Patrick Hughes, Royal Academician David Mach, sculptor and artist Alexander Klingspor and sculptress Jill Berlowitz who created a very special award for the winner.

All of the finalists work was fantastic and it was difficult to pick a favourite! I did not win but am proud to have been included in the list of finalists and I had a wonderful time at the party. I met lots of interesting, lovely people and it was a wonderful evening. It is fantastic to be part of artists supporting artists and wonderful that a group of magazines is promoting artwork in print, bravo!

The winning entry was a beautiful digital artwork by artist Alicia Harrod and it is on the cover of the latest issue of the magazine which is out now! Alicia was the recipient of a stunning award which was a sculpture by the talented Jill Berelowitz who was inspired by a visit to the Bentley Factory in Crewe.

I would like to thank the Mayfarer team and Jack Barclay Mayfair for hosting such a fantastic party and making everyone feel so welcome. Apart from the fact I had a wonderful time the evening made me fall in love with art more than ever!

Me with my artwork

The award (above) created by Jill Berelowitz who said, "the trophy embodies a harmonious blend of contemporary elegance and automotive dynamism. Inspired by the refined pages of The Mayfarer magazine and the sleek lines of Bentley cars".

The Lord Mayor of Westminster announcing the winner alongside Founder and Editor Jeannine Saba

Congratulations to all of The Mayfarer cover competition finalists!