The River Thames

From Jerome K. Jerome’s novel Three Men in a Boat to the opening credits of Eastenders, the Thames has long been part of the London’s creative output. This year’s The Serco Prize for Illustration is no different, focusing on pieces inspired by the capital’s river.

Winning entries of the competition, which is organised by the Association of Illustrators in collaboration with Serco, will be exhibited at the London Transport Museum until 3 June alongside pieces by the 50 shortlisted illustrators.

Reading-based illustrator Anne Wilson was awarded the top prize for her depiction of a wild, undulating Thames running through a neatly organised collection of raspberry-coloured buildings and key London landmarks.

Wilson says, ‘In a mass of straight lines and structure, the Thames provides a constant contrast to its manmade surroundings. A breathing space through the heart of daily business, commuters and sightseers. It is the life of London splitting the city through its middle and yet holding it firmly together.’

Melvyn Evans was awarded the silver prize for his illustration of a busy amalgamation of some of the best spots along the river, including the glossy gherkin, Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, the Millennium bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral.

Liz Rowland’s rather surreal piece, which depicts various landmarks sitting down to dinner at a Thames table, was awarded the competition’s third prize. You can read more about the prize in Design Week 28 April (subscribers click here).

The Serco Prize for Illustration River Thames exhibition will be displayed in the CBS Outdoor Gallery at London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza, London, WC2E until 3 June.