Shortlisted artists revealed for the Pride of Portsmouth lion art trail

Image: A vibrant lion sculpture designed by Louise Braithwaite, celebrating Portsmouth’s spirit, weaving together iconic landmarks, ferries and naval heritage in a lively circular scene that captures the city’s character, colour and coastal identity.

The Pride of Portsmouth lion art trail has taken an exciting step forward with the announcement of 47 shortlisted artists. The trail, launching later this year, will feature a series of artist‑designed lion sculptures celebrating Portsmouth’s creativity, culture and community spirit.

A diverse line-up of creative talent

Following a strong response to the open call, a selection panel has chosen a varied group of emerging and established artists. Each shortlisted artist has submitted a unique design, offering a fresh interpretation of the lion sculptures that will form the trail. Their ideas reflect a wide mix of artistic styles, all united by a strong connection to Portsmouth and a passion for creativity and inclusion.

Meet the shortlisted artists

• Aidan Jack Waldron
• Ali Elly
• Amy P
• Andrea Martin
• Angela Chick
• Anne‑Marie Byrne
• Bhavna Mapara
• Caroline Fairbairn
• Charlotte Pepper
• Claire Havell
• Conor Clements
• Courtney-Jo Cotton
• Daisy Barker
• Daisy Kate
• Daniel Stubbs
• David Graham
• Donna Newman Eden Designs
• Emilie-Jane Rivers-Martin
• Georgina Luck
• Gill Prendergast
• Hannah Davies
• Hannah Jayne Lewin
• Jennie Farmer Art
• Jess Perrin
• Karis Harrington
• Katherine Griffin
• Kizzi B Creative
• Kimberley Nicolle
• Lynne Hollingsworth
• Make at Aldingbourne
• Mark Kellett
• Mr Dot
• Nicola Mills
• Nicholas Hopper
• November Tan
• Olana Light
• Or Misgav
• Phillippa and Rachael Corcutt
• Roo Abrook
• Ruth Hudson
• Sarah Blackwell
• Seekers Create
• Simon Whitcomb
• SouthseaOceanArtist
• Sticky Tape Kate
• Toad Stoolz
• Zubieta

Celebrating Portsmouth’s creative community

Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said:

“This project forms part of the Portsmouth 100 celebrations, celebrating Portsmouth’s strong creative community and giving residents and visitors the chance to engage with art that reflects the city’s identity and pride.

Congratulations to all the artists involved. It’s great to see the range of ways artists have interpreted the brief, and the variety of different styles that will really bring the trail to life across the city this summer.”

See the designs at a free public exhibition

All shortlisted designs will be displayed at Aspex Portsmouth from Thursday 12 February to Sunday 22 February.

This free exhibition gives residents and visitors the chance to explore the designs up close before the final selection is made. A final group of artists will then be commissioned to bring their designs to life on 40 full‑size lion sculptures, which will appear across the city in the summer.

Running throughout February half term, the exhibition is a family‑friendly and accessible opportunity to enjoy Portsmouth’s creative talent.