The Lady Mayor’s Inaugural Portrait Prize Competition 2025

Overview

Three City of London Livery Companies are delighted to announce the inaugural Lady/Lord Mayor’s Portrait Prize Competition. The commission is for a portrait of the incoming Lady Mayor, The Rt. Hon. Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley DBE. 

The winning artist will receive a commission fee of £10,000 and an additional £5,000 educational award for a European portraiture study tour to further their artistic career.

Who Can Enter?

We are inviting early-career painters who graduated from their University/College Art Department before July 2020. The artist must have a proven track record, with at least two completed formal portrait paintings.

The Commission Brief

  • Subject: An oil portrait of Dame Susan Langley, capturing her likeness, character, and vision of office.
  • Fee: £10,000 (covers all materials, sittings and a presentation after the study tour).
  • Format: Artist’s choice (vertical, horizontal, or square), maximum dimensions: 70cm wide x 80cm tall.
  • Location: The portrait will hang in the entrance hall of The Drapers’ Company, City of London.
  • Sittings: Several 90-minute sessions with Dame Susan Langley over three months (subject to her availability).
  • Framing: Provided separately in consultation with the artist and the Drapers’ Company.

The Process

  1. Initial Judging: A panel from the three sponsoring Livery Companies (including a professional artist and a curator) will shortlist up to five candidates.
  2. Trial Drawing: The selected artist will meet Dame Susan to discuss the portrait and produce a trial drawing. If either party is dissatisfied at this stage, a break clause allows the artist to receive £500 and end the process.
  3. Final Commission: The successful artist will complete the portrait by 2nd March 2026.

The Travel Award

The winner will receive a £5,000 travel scholarship to study European portraiture in leading museums (e.g., Prado, Louvre, Uffizi, Rijksmuseum). Upon return, the artist will give an illustrated talk about their experience and artistic development.

How to Enter

Deadline: Noon, 15th October 2025

Submission Requirements:

  • Five digital examples of your artwork (at least two must be portraits).
  • A short statement of interest, no more than 500 words, explaining why you wish to undertake this commission and travel award.
  • Your CV (including education history and graduation date).
  • Full name and contact details.
  • All files must be submitted by email to portraits@wci.org.uk.
  • File types accepted: .jpeg, .png
  • Maximum total submission size: 30MB

Important: Ensure your submission includes all required materials and does not exceed the file size limit.

Ready to Make Your Mark?

This is your opportunity to create a lasting legacy in the heart of the City of London and advance your career as a portrait artist. Submit your application by noon on 15th October 2025 to portraits@wci.org.uk and take the first step towards this prestigious commission and a transformative European study tour.

Don’t miss your chance!

Pictures and credits

  • From top to bottom
  • Fiona Woolf, Lord Mayor 2013-14, painted by Richard Stone
  • Sir Nicholas Lyons, Lord Mayor 2022-23, painted by Simon Watkins
  • Lady Woolf unveiling her portrait at Wax Chandlers' Hall
  • Vincent Keaveny, Lord Mayor 2021-22. Portrait by  in Stationers Hall by James Hayes
  • Alderman Dame Mary Donaldson, first LadtyLod Mayor, 1983-84, painted by Richard Stone

If you would like to find out more about our membership please click here.

Further information on membership can be obtained from the Clerk to the Company at