Josephine Goddard's portrait of Lady Mayor unveiled in Drapers' Hall

In a fresh approach to the traditional Lord Mayor's Portrait, an early career artist was commissioned to paint the portrait of the Lady Mayor of the City of London. Competition winner Josephine Goddard delivered a bold, simple and powerfully feminine painting of the first Lady Mayor with strong technical craftsmanship and a contemporary, expressive style.

The portrait of Dame Susan Langley is a result of the Lady Mayor’s Portrait Prize Competition, a new programme led by three of the City of London’s Livery Companies — the Insurers, Drapers and Goldsmiths — to showcase and support emerging artistic talent. The portrait, which will be displayed in the entrance of Drapers' Hall, offered a generous commission fee and an educational award to support the winning artist’s continued study of portraiture across Europe.

Josie was selected from a highly competitive field of applicants drawn from alumni of leading institutions including the Royal College of Art, the Royal Academy, City & Guilds of London Art School, and The Royal Drawing School. The Lady Mayor played an active role in shaping the brief, working closely with the judging panel and drawing inspiration from visits to the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery. She expressed a preference for portraits that convey an open, engaged presence through a clear and uncluttered composition, qualities that are reflected in the final work.

The Lady Mayor of the City of London, Dame Susan Langley, said: “Having my portrait painted is not something I ever thought I would experience. But I have loved working with Josie and being involved in the whole process. It was very important to me that the competition championed the amazing young talent coming out of our universities and colleges. I wanted this portrait to not only capture the heritage of the office, but also a sense of openness and renewal. Josie has balanced that beautifully.”

Josie’s portrait draws on a rich blend of classical and contemporary influences. Inspired by works such as Self Portrait by Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, Allesandro Raho’s Judi Dench, she sought to capture a feminine presence through a refined yet striking composition. Her work also reflects admiration for the expressive brushwork of Diego Velázquez.

Speaking on her approach, Josie said: “Opportunities like this are incredibly rare this early in my career and I feel privileged that my work will become part of the long tradition of mayoral portraiture. I see myself as a contemporary painter, but one deeply informed by the elegance and technique of classical artists. I was particularly drawn to the opportunity to paint Dame Susan’s chain and badge of office; I’ve always been fascinated by texture and reflective surfaces, and it’s amazing to capture something so intricate and steeped in history.”

Hung in Drapers' Hall
The portrait will occupy a prominent position at Drapers’ Hall, becoming the first work encountered by visitors entering the building. Set against the Hall’s dark wood panelling and alongside historic seventeenth-century paintings, it forms a contemporary addition to a distinguished artistic lineage.

Sara Fardon, Master of the Worshipful Company of Insurers, said: “The portrait and process undertaken to commission it reflects the values Dame Susan Langley champions - creating, fostering and delivering opportunities to others. I can imagine a young girl in several hundred years' time being inspired by the portrait and its story to make her own contribution to the City of London. The Insurers are delighted to have played our part in supporting the Lady Mayor in the commissioning of this portrait and we congratulate Josie Goddard on her stunning achievement.”

Colonel Richard Winstanley OBE, Clerk to the Drapers’ Company, said: “We are delighted with the outcome of this competition which has seen the emergence of a talented young artist produce the most realistic, contemporary and befitting portrait of the Lady Mayor, Alderwomen Dame Susan Langley DBE. Its subtle presence fits beautifully at the entrance to our Hall for all to admire.”

Annie Warburton, FCGI FRSA, Chief Executive & Clerk of the Goldsmiths’ Company, said: "Creating space and providing support for talented people to realise their potential sits at the heart of the Goldsmiths’ Company’s mission. It’s a value shared by Dame Susan Langley, who has put opportunity, talent and craft at the forefront of her year as the first Lady Mayor of the City of London.

"We’re thrilled that Josephine Goddard was selected for the commission and delighted to see this lively likeness of the first Lady Mayor of the City of London unveiled at Draper’s Hall. Josie's tender, dignified portrait perfectly balances the warmth and kind heartedness that anyone who has met Sue will immediately recognise, with the eminence of her historic office."

Photos by Alex Rumford