As part of its ‘Local Royalty’ campaign to recognise the contribution independent businesses make to their communities, soft drinks giant Coca-Cola has commissioned royal portrait artists to paint four locally-loved business owners from around the UK.
One of the four being honoured in this way is Gino Verecchia, owner of University Café in Glasgow, the third generation of his family to run the business, which first opened in 1918.
Local Royalty is the latest instalment of Coca-Cola GB’s ongoing campaign to celebrate the people and families that make and serve its drinks every day, which began with last year’s documentary and photography series ‘The Bosses’, and continued with ‘Counter Cultures’ earlier this year.
Moving from the digital realm into very physical portraiture, the Local Royalty project has created top class paintings of four independent business owners from across hospitality and retail, each with their own story of supporting the communities they serve.
Verecchia was lauded for his long history of combining his Italian heritage, including a century-old gelato recipe, with Scottish favourites, to maintain the University Café’s status as a Glasgow institution. He has been painted by Gareth Reid, portrait artist to King Charles III while he was Prince of Wales.
Down in Catford, in south-east London, Torridon Convenience Store owner Kaual Patel took over the family business from his father in 2000, and now champions independent producers from the surrounding area by giving them space on his shelves.
He has been painted by Nick Bashall, portrait painter to Princess Anne.
Pindy Kaur, owner of Ocean Fish Bar in Barnsley, has helped transform the family-run takeaway into a much-loved local business since taking it over in the 1990s.
Having built a business known for its loyal customers and family-run spirit, Pindy has been painted by Nicky Philipps, two-time portrait painter to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
In Dittisham, South Devon, Simon Dafforn-Jones, landlord of The Ferry Boat Inn, has run the pub for almost 20 years, following in his father’s footsteps.
From giving local teenagers their first jobs to championing regional produce, he is committed to making sure the pub continues to play an important role in village life.
He has been painted by Jamie Coreth, who painted the first official portrait of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
All these portraits will soon go on display to the public at the prestigious Saatchi Gallery in London from 28th October to 1st November.
Vice president and general manager at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners GB, An Vermeulen, said: “One of the things I’ve learned spending time with our customers across Great Britain is just how important independent businesses are to the communities they serve.
“They are so much more than a place to do the shopping, buy a drink, grab something to eat or meet friends. They create jobs, bring people together and often sit at the heart of local life.
“We’ve worked alongside independent customers for generations, and with 97% of the products we sell in Great Britan produced here, we’re deeply invested in the success of local communities and customers, so I love that Local Royalty puts the spotlight on the brilliant people behind these businesses,” said Vermeulen.
“These portraits are a wonderful way to celebrate their energy, passion and entrepreneurial spirit, and to recognise everything they do, every day, to grow their businesses, serve local people and strengthen their communities.”
Each business owner will also receive a donation for a local charity of their choice and, once the Saatchi gallery exhibition is done, will be given the finished portrait, which they can display in their home or business and pass down through their family for generations.
