Bentley, renowned for its luxury vehicles, has taken a significant step forward in its mission to be the epitome of diversity among luxury car manufacturers worldwide. The company has revealed the ‘Belonging Bentayga,’ a bespoke Bentley Bentayga Hybrid hand-painted with intricate artistry, showcasing skylines and landmarks from iconic cities across the globe.
The Artistic Endeavor
The ‘Belonging Bentayga’ is adorned with various skylines and renowned buildings from cities such as New York, London, Paris, Rome, Milan, Venice, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, each side representing a different continent. This unique art piece, displaying 29 different landmarks, is a creation of Stephen Wiltshire MBE, a British architectural artist and autistic savant celebrated for his extraordinary ability to recreate landscapes from memory.
This initiative marks the first time a Bentley model has been hand-painted in this distinct manner at the Crewe factory, in England, employing a unique process devised by the Bentley Excellence Centre Bespoke Paint team.
A Celebration of Diversity
Incorporating drawings of people from various nationalities, symbolizing unity in design, this project stands as Bentley’s testament to its commitment to diversity. The Bentley Bentayga becomes the third canvas for such artistic expressions, signifying Bentley’s dedication to inclusivity.
Wayne Bruce, Chief Communications and D&I Officer at Bentley Motors, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting its role in Bentley’s Beyond100 strategy, which emphasizes a five-step diversity and inclusion plan within the industry.
Connecting Through Art and Automobiles
Stephen Wiltshire, the artistic genius behind the ‘Belonging Bentayga,’ expressed how buildings encapsulate stories and memories, mirroring Bentley’s objective of connecting people through their creations and vehicles. The project presented a challenge to Wiltshire, aligning with his ethos of pushing boundaries to achieve remarkable outcomes.
A Remarkable Journey of Diverse Experiences
Born in London to West Indian parents, Stephen Wiltshire faced early communication challenges due to autism. However, his unique form of expression through art, particularly in detailed cityscapes, has garnered global acclaim.
Bentley Motors, recognizing the paramount importance of diverse experiences and perspectives, introduced a five-step strategy in 2021 to enhance diversity and inclusion at its manufacturing hub in Crewe. As part of this initiative, Bentley’s design team crafted ‘The Unifying Spur,’ a captivating artwork on a Bentley vehicle, celebrating diversity in all its facets.
A Lasting Commitment
Bentley Motors’ ‘Belonging Bentayga’ project underscores the brand’s commitment to inclusivity and the celebration of diverse experiences, embodying their vision of a world where everyone finds a sense of belonging and unity. As Bentley continues to navigate the road of progress and inclusion, their journey promises to resonate with enthusiasts globally.
