Claire saw her painting displayed in the National Gallery as the Tour de France commenced from Whitehall on the weekend of 7-8th July 2007. The painting entitled 'Prologue' was commissioned by Transport for London to commemorate the event.

During a Gala dinner hosted by the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, thirty signed, limited edition prints were given to VIPs who attended, including the directors of ASO, the company which owns and organises the Tour.

Transport for London chose Claire Alexander for the commission as her style of portraiture is strongly influenced by French impressionism. The painting was to include Nelson’s Column, the National Gallery, the Tour start ramp with the Mayor of London alongside, a cyclist in motion, and a lively crowd of spectators. Claire Alexander’s resulting painting beautifully combined all these features and was a great success.

Claire photographed Olympic gold medallist Bradley Wiggins as a model for the painting.  She explained, “He was very accommodating, and kindly cycled on training rollers while I photographed him from many different angles.” 

It has been proposed that the painting will be given permanent residence in the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden when it reopens later in the year.

Transport for London sent the Mayor of Paris Bertrand Delanoë a limited edition print of Prologue. He wrote a letter back in appreciation, click here to read a translation.