Revered sports artist goes for gold with Glasgow 2026 artwork
Flagship expressionist painter Ben Mosley has installed a new piece at Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art, ahead of this year’s Commonwealth Games. Mosley was commissioned by Trivandi, which is the official event delivery partner of Glasgow 2026.
As Artist in Residence for this summer’s Commonwealth Games, Mosley worked to pay homage to some of Glasgow’s best-known landmarks and the city’s unique heritage. It will feature on limited-edition Games licensed merchandise and be auctioned to raise funds for the Commonwealth Sport Foundation, supporting official charity partners Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, Scottish Sports Futures, and Team Scotland Youth Trust.
Unveiled at Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), the painting also looks to celebrate the city’s iconic landmarks, the Games’ reimagined format, and the positive impact of the UK’s biggest sporting event this year.
Young people from Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity also joined Mosley for the launch at GoMA, for an art class. Inspired by his work, they had the opportunity to creatively express what it means to them for Glasgow to host the Commonwealth Games through their own paintings.
James Bulley OBE, CEO and Co-founder of Trivandi, said, “Ben is one of the most talented artists in the UK – he has captured many of the UK’s historic moments in sport, from Team GB at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo and Paris, to the recent Lions Tour of Australia. Having him on board for Glasgow 2026 is an absolute privilege… These Games give us a chance to demonstrate Glasgow’s creativity, confidence, and community spirit in a way that will resonate long after the final medal is awarded. The real impact won’t just be measured in sporting moments, but in the memories, experiences, talent, and future opportunities the Games leave behind for the city in the years to come.”
Lasting legacy
Painted free-hand over the course of three days, the 120 x 120 cm canvas uses the vibrant colours of the Games and an expressionist style to depict the Duke of Wellington Statue, with its iconic traffic cone; the Finnieston Crane; and the Scottish Events Campus (SEC) Armadillo. Incorporating the use of 24k gold, it also includes nods to the city’s architecture and industrial heritage, while each of the Games’ sports and Para sports are represented.
In addition to the flagship artwork, Mosley will live-paint a series of pieces during the Games, capturing the spirit and atmosphere in Glasgow and bringing art into the heart of the fan experience at locations including Scotstoun Stadium. His works will be a gift to Glasgow 2026 from Trivandi, adding to the long-term impact the Games leave in the city.
Speaking at the launch, Mosley remarked, “I’m really looking forward to the Games, painting live, and showing Glasgow what I do. I’ll give everything I can to make the city proud of what I’m producing, capturing its amazing atmosphere and spirit on the canvas, along with the sports and the athletes. There’s going to be an energy about the paintings because they’ll largely be improvised at speed – a lot of it will be done on instinct and thinking on the spot. Working with young people is a great way to launch the first piece and it’s been brilliant to work with Trivandi. The team has been fully supportive and forward-thinking – I’m really grateful for that.”
Taking place from 23 July to 2 August, Glasgow 2026 will welcome 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories to the city. Glasgow 2026 is the Organising Company established to deliver the Games, supported by Trivandi, combining world-class sport with a future-focused vision.
