Art student presents portrait to London mayor

A portrait of London Mayor Sadiq Khan, painted by an art student, has been unveiled at City Hall.

Tia Mirza, a BA (Hons) Fine Art student at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB), painted Khan as part of her final degree project.

She said it was a "privilege" to present the portrait to him as he marked 10 years in office.

The art work appeared in the Arts University Bournemouth summer shows before being transported to London to its new home.

The portrait, officially unveiled on 16 July, depicts Khan on the side of a London bus as a nod to his background, growing up in Tooting as the son of a bus driver.

Khan said it was a "huge honour" to be painted by Mirza.

"It marks a significant milestone as I reflect on ten years as Mayor of London," he said.

Mirza, who is from London, told Khan: "Rather than depicting you in a traditional political setting, I chose to paint your portrait on the side of a London bus, inspired by your personal connection through your father's work as a London bus driver and how much you've done for London transport.

"Sharing a British Asian background, I was also inspired by your views on identity and belonging."

The unveiling was attended by Mirza's family and university pro vice-chancellor Jonathan Carr.

He said: "Tia's achievement represents the absolute pinnacle of what we encourage our students to aim for at AUB.

"To see an undergraduate student demonstrate this level of creative vision, professional persistence and technical mastery is exceptional.

"Securing a sitting with a figure as prominent as the Mayor of London for a final year project is unprecedented, and the resulting portrait is a masterful testament to traditional realism.

"We are incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone moment with Tia."