Skyport-Heathrow.co.uk – 16th September, 2011

By Jonathan Schofield

British Airways has announced the winners of its Great Britons competition, which is backed by celebrity mentors Heston Blumenthal, Tracey Emin and Richard E Grant.

The campaign was launched in May inviting British talent to submit their Olympic Games inspired entries to create a bold British menu, artwork for aircraft and a short-film, all of which will be unveiled from February 2012.

Chef Simon Hulstone from Devon, artist and designer Pascal Anson from Brighton, and scriptwriter Prasanna Puwanarajah from London have been announced as the winners of the three categories.

In the Food category, Simon, 36, who has already been awarded a Michelin star and is Head Chef at The Elephant restaurant in Torquay, will develop his menu with Heston Blumenthal to serve to customers on board BA flights, as well as creating a menu for a high profile pre-London 2012 ball.
Heston said: “Simon really impressed us. He proved to have the most technical ability, as well as a thoughtful and well-balanced menu that ties into the Olympic Games and its spirit. I’m really looking forward to working with him over the next year.”

In the Art category, lecturer and designer Pascal, 38, will receive mentoring from Turner Prize nominated artist Tracey Emin to develop his design, which will be painted onto the livery of 12 BA aircraft.

The senior lecturer at Kingston University has already designed and developed a number of products, with his work featured in exhibitions by the Design Museum and British Council.

In the Film category, celebrated scriptwriter and actor Prasanna, 30, will be mentored by actor, scriptwriter and director Richard E Grant. His script will be developed into a short film by award winning producer Barnaby Spurrier, broadcast to millions on board BA flights, as well as the pre-show to the London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.

To have a look at Richard in the advertisement, click here.