A Devon pub landlord has described his surprise at being selected to have his portrait painted by a renowned royal portrait artist as part of a nationwide initiative celebrating independent businesses.
Simon Dafforn-Jones, 41, who runs the Ferry Boat Inn in Dittisham, Devon, was among just four small business owners chosen to sit for internationally recognised artists who have previously created official portraits of the royal family. He was put forward by Coca-Cola Great Britain as part of the soft drinks giant's initiative to recognise the impact of local businesses on the nation's high streets.
Portrait by Prince and Princess of Wales Artist
Simon sat for award-winning Jamie Coreth, who painted the first official portrait of the Prince and Princess of Wales in 2022. Coreth, whose commissions typically start from more than £20,000, visited the Ferry Boat Inn — also known as the FBI — a historic pub beside the River Dart in South Devon, where he took photographs before Simon attended a sitting at his studio in Wiltshire.
On being chosen, Simon said: "It's just incredible. It doesn't happen to people like us does it. To be picked at random, out of the blue, rather than entering a competition is amazing."
Community Significance of the Pub
Simon, who took over the Ferry Boat Inn with his father 16 years ago, said the pub was "massively important" to the community. He added: "We've heard lots of comments that single females feel they can come in because it is safe. That's partly to do with the customers but also the staff we've got."
Coreth said visiting the pub helped him create the atmosphere and light inside, adding: "Honouring everyday people is a continuation of the same tradition that portrait painters have engaged in for centuries."
Three Other Business Owners Selected
The three other selected owners include Pindy Kaur, owner of Ocean Fish Bar in Barnsley, painted by Nicky Philipps, three-time portrait painter to the late Queen Elizabeth II. Philipps called it a "privilege" to "portray such a local heroine on canvas. Pindy is clearly the fish and chip queen of the north".
The others are Gino Verecchia, owner of University Café in Glasgow, painted by Gareth Reid, portrait artist to King Charles III while he was Prince of Wales, and Kaual Patel, owner of Torridon Convenience Store in Catford, South East London, painted by Nick Bashall, portrait painter to Princess Anne.
Exhibition and Donations
The four finished portraits will be revealed to the public in a free exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in London from now until Sunday November 1. The portraits were commissioned to mark 175 years since the birth of the modern British high street, with roots tracing back to the Victorian shopping revolution of 1851.
Research from Coca-Cola revealed that 79% of the public believes the contributions of independent businesses are underappreciated. Each business owner will also receive a donation for a local charity of their choice and the finished portrait, which they can display in their home or business and pass down through their family.
Simon says the portrait is too big to fit into the Ferry Boat Inn, although a smaller version has been arranged to be put up, with the original to be kept in his home. Dusan Stojankic, vice president and general manager of Great Britain and Ireland at Coca-Cola, said: "Independent businesses are the backbone of modern Britain. The businessmen and women who run them work tirelessly and sit at very centre of their communities. This exhibition is an ode to the people who keep them thriving. Put simply, they are local royalty."
