Image source, Coca-Cola GB and Nick Bashall
Image caption, Kaual Patel took over the shop from his father and uncle 20 years ago
A corner shop owner from south London has been painted by a royal portraitist in a project to recognise the impact of independent businesses in their local communities.
Artist Nick Bashall, who painted Princess Anne, has depicted Kaual Patel, owner of Torridon Convenience Store in Catford.
The work will be revealed to the public in a new exhibition, Local Royalty, alongside paintings by other royal artists of pub, cafe and takeaway owners.
The event was inspired by research that indicated nearly 80% of the public believed independent businesses such as corner shops are underappreciated.
Image source, Coca-Cola GB and Sam Rowland-Lê
Image caption, The artist Nick Bashall said watching customers wondering what was going on “was great fun”
The exhibition depicts Patel alongside three other small business owners who have been immortalised in a manner historically reserved for royalty, titans of industry and stars of stage and screen.
He took over the shop from his father and uncle and has spent the past two decades creating a hub for the local community and championing local producers.
“The days I spent being painted by Nick, live in the shop, were unforgettable, but what made it truly special was seeing it through the eyes of my customers,” said Patel.
Image source, Coca-Cola GB and Nick Bashall
Image caption, Patel said: “This simply doesn’t happen to an everyday shopkeeper”
“This wasn’t created behind closed doors in a studio.
It happened right here, in the store, surrounded by the people who make our community so special.
Seeing their expressions, hearing their reactions and watching the portrait come to life alongside them created memories I’ll never forget.
“This simply doesn’t happen to an everyday shopkeeper.”
Image source, Coca-Cola GB and Sam Rowland-Lê
Image caption, The work in progress
Bashall said: “I stood at my easel and painted Kaual and the entire background on the spot, with people milling around us.
“It was great fun watching his customers’ faces as they came in, clearly wondering what was going on, but also intrigued by it all.”
The exhibition, sponsored by Coca-Cola GB, will be open to the public from 28 October to 2 November at the Saatchi Gallery in London.
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