Professional Artists

Professional Practitioner Stained Glass Artist Stream

Celebrating ten years of craftsmanship and civic storytelling

Since 2017, Reflections of The Lord Mayor has commissioned an annual stained glass roundel to honour the stewardship of the Immediate Past Lord Mayor of London. Each work becomes a permanent part of a growing civic tradition, capturing a year of leadership in colour, light and glass.

The 2027 commission marks a significant milestone. It is the tenth edition in the series and commemorates the mayoralty of Dame Susan Langley, the 697th Lord Mayor of London (2025–2026).

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Alderman Alastair King DL, the 696th Lord Mayor of London (2024–2025).

A Decade of Light and Reflection

This 11th edition invites stained glass practitioners to interpret the values and story of the Lord Mayor’s year of office. The commissioned roundel will be fabricated at ten inches in diameter and unveiled at the Reflections Gala in July 2027.

This year also introduces two important developments

Livestream

After the Gala, the winning artist will join a public livestream to explore the design process, symbolism and civic themes.

Sustainability

Artists are asked to consider environmental impact in design and fabrication.

Key Dates

Call opens: 1 March 2027
Submission deadline: 16 April 2027 (17h00 UK time)
Judging period: May 2027
Reflections Gala Evening: July 2027, London (venue to be announced)

Livestream Artist Session: Late September to mid October 2026

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The Prize

The winning artist receives:

  • A £1,000 commission fee
  • A materials allowance of up to £250
  • Professional fabrication of the roundel
  • Public unveiling at the 2027 Reflections Gala
  • A feature in the Gala Programme and on the website
  • VIP seating at the Gala, including a place at the Top Table
  • Travel and accommodation support of up to £250 for artists based outside the M25

2026 Requirements

Artists must submit:

1. Coloured roundel design

  • Ten inch stained glass design
  • Includes the inscription:
    “Reflections of the 697th Lord Mayor of London • 2027”
  • Signed with initials or name

2. Civic narrative (up to 300 words)
Explain how the design reflects the mayoralty of Dame Susan Langley.
Describe chosen symbols, colours and themes.

3. Technical narrative (up to 300 words)
Outline materials, construction method and fabrication considerations.
Include your Sustainability Note.

All entries must be submitted digitally.

Judging Criteria

Submissions are assessed by civic representatives, stained glass specialists and educators.

Criteria and weightings:

  • Storytelling: 20 percent
  • Artistic composition: 20 percent
  • Connection to theme: 15 percent
  • Technical feasibility: 15 percent
  • Fabrication narrative: 15 percent
  • Sustainability awareness: 15 percent

Sustainability Guidance

All artists must include a Sustainability Note within their technical narrative.

This may cover:

  • Choice of materials
  • Consideration of lead and firing
  • Use of off cuts or reclaimed elements
  • Reducing waste or packaging
  • Guidance for long term care and repair

The note does not need to be complex, but it should show informed decision making.

Entry Form

 Submit Your Design

Please submit your:

  • Coloured design
  • Civic narrative
  • Technical narrative with Sustainability Note

Use the form provided below.
Ensure file sizes meet the updated limits.

Submissions are now closed for this year.

A look at the roundel tradition

Sponsoring the Professional Practitioner Stream

Supporting the Professional Practitioner Stream is an investment in excellence — both artistic and civic.

Now in its 11th edition, the Reflections of The Lord Mayor Stained Glass Roundel Design Competition has become a recognised moment in the City’s cultural calendar, commissioning professional artworks that capture each Lord Mayor’s legacy in glass.

By sponsoring this stream, your organisation will:

  • Champion British craft and innovation, directly supporting a professional stained glass artist in creating a bespoke civic artwork unveiled at Guildhall.
  • Align with stewardship and sustainability, as each roundel reflects leadership, service, and the responsible passing of light between generations.
  • Gain high-level visibility across the Gala Programme, livestream, website, and digital channels viewed by civic leaders, Livery Companies, and the creative industries.
  • Be part of a milestone year, marking 11 years of Reflections of The Lord Mayor connecting tradition with contemporary artistic expression.

Your support helps ensure that heritage craftsmanship continues to inspire, adapt, and endure.

Corporate Sponsorship Opportunity

Supporting a tradition of excellence. Inspiring a culture of stewardship.

For a decade, Reflections of The Lord Mayor has brought together civic tradition and contemporary artistic practice through the commissioning of professional stained glass roundels.

The 2027 Practitioner Stream marks a significant milestone. By sponsoring this stream, your organisation helps commission the official roundel commemorating the 697th Lord Mayor of London, Dame Susan Langley, while aligning your brand with the City’s heritage and creative future.

Why It Matters to Sponsors

  • Reputation and values alignment
    Position your organisation as a champion of craftsmanship, sustainability, and civic responsibility.

  • Client and stakeholder engagement
    Sponsors are acknowledged in the Gala Programme, website, and livestream, and receive two invitations to the Reflections Gala Evening at Guildhall.

  • Visibility and legacy
    Your organisation is recognised alongside the commissioned artist in press and digital features, creating a lasting symbol of civic patronage.

Contact Chris to find out how you can become a sponsor: 
chris.seow@lmreflects.london