Catford shopkeeper Kaual Patel featured in royal portraitist's Local Royalty exhibition
Kaual Patel, the owner of Torridon Convenience Store in Catford, has been immortalized in a portrait by royal artist Nick Bashall. The work is part of a new exhibition titled Local Royalty, which aims to highlight the role of independent businesses in local communities. The portrait was created live within the shop, a process Patel described as an unforgettable experience shared with his customers. The exhibition, sponsored by Coca-Cola GB, will be open to the public at the Saatchi Gallery in London.
Key points
- Royal portrait artist Nick Bashall painted Catford shopkeeper Kaual Patel for the Local Royalty exhibition.
- The portrait was created live inside the Torridon Convenience Store.
- The exhibition features portraits of small business owners, including pub, cafe, and takeaway proprietors.
- The project was inspired by research suggesting nearly 80% of the public feel independent businesses are underappreciated.
- The exhibition runs from 28 October to 2 November at the Saatchi Gallery in London.
What happened
Kaual Patel, who has operated the Torridon Convenience Store in Catford for two decades, has been the subject of a portrait by artist Nick Bashall. Bashall, known for his work depicting Princess Anne, painted Patel as part of a project titled Local Royalty.
The portrait was produced on-site at the convenience store, with the artist working at an easel while customers were present. Patel noted that the experience allowed him to observe the reactions of his community as the painting developed.
Background
The Local Royalty exhibition is designed to recognize the impact of independent businesses on their local areas. According to research cited by the organizers, nearly 80% of the public believe that businesses such as corner shops are underappreciated.
The exhibition includes portraits of other small business owners, such as those running cafes, pubs, and takeaways, presented in a style traditionally associated with royalty and prominent public figures.
What's next
The Local Royalty exhibition, which is sponsored by Coca-Cola GB, will be open to the public at the Saatchi Gallery in London. The exhibition dates are scheduled from 28 October to 2 November.
Why it matters
The Local Royalty exhibition highlights the social role of independent businesses, with research indicating that nearly 80% of the public perceive these shops as underappreciated.
What we know
- Kaual Patel owns the Torridon Convenience Store in Catford.
- Artist Nick Bashall painted a portrait of Kaual Patel for the Local Royalty exhibition.
- The Local Royalty exhibition is sponsored by Coca-Cola GB.
- The exhibition will be held at the Saatchi Gallery in London from 28 October to 2 November.
- Research indicates nearly 80% of the public believe independent businesses are underappreciated.
