British artist Jemma Powell has teamed up with Portofino Dry Gin to create a stunning, hand-painted 5-litre bottle for the Fine Spirits Auction 2024. Powell’s work beautifully encapsulates the spirit of Portofino’s timeless allure.
Discover the Spirit of Portofino Through Art and Gin
This year, Portofino Dry Gin has unveiled a special collaboration with acclaimed British artist Jemma Powell, who has created a bespoke, hand-painted 5-litre bottle for the Fine Spirits Auction 2024. The exclusive artwork, to be auctioned at Whisky Live Paris, reflects Powell’s deep connection with the Italian Riviera, particularly Portofino, where she and her family have long-standing ties.
Powell, an Oxfordshire-based artist known for her evocative landscapes, captures the enchanting essence of Portofino through panoramic views of the Ligurian coast, featuring its iconic pastel houses and charming fishing villages. The artist’s vibrant use of colour and emotive brushstrokes infuse the design with the same sense of warmth and nostalgia that Portofino offers to visitors—a place steeped in history, romance, and natural beauty.
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Why Portofino?
Portofino itself is a destination that draws travellers from all over the world. Nestled along the Italian Riviera, it is celebrated for its picturesque harbour, charming piazzas, and colourful buildings overlooking the sea. The town’s tranquil charm, combined with a backdrop of lush Mediterranean hills, has made it a favourite spot for artists, writers, and travellers seeking a perfect blend of cultural richness and natural splendour. From its chic boutiques to renowned seafood restaurants, Portofino has a magnetic pull, capturing the imagination of those who visit.
Capturing Portofino in Art
Jemma Powell’s collaboration with Portofino Dry Gin perfectly mirrors the town’s unique allure. “It’s been a wonderful experience collaborating with Portofino Dry Gin to reimagine a place that holds such special memories for my family,” Powell shares. “I wanted to create a design that reflects the beauty and stories of Portofino, a place we have been coming to for generations.”
Powell’s intricate design on the gin bottle brings together the elements that make Portofino such an enduring destination: the vibrant colours, timeless beauty, and the connection between land and sea. As she paints en plein air, Powell’s work channels the spirit of the place in a dynamic, almost spontaneous way, much like the flurry of life in Portofino’s busy harbour. Her ability to evoke both calm and energy in her paintings makes her the ideal artist to interpret the spirit of this Italian gem.
A Charitable Cause
Proceeds from the sale of Powell’s hand-painted bottle will go towards vital environmental projects led by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, focusing on preserving the biodiversity of Sainte-Marie Island, off the coast of Madagascar. With art, sustainability, and luxury coming together, this collaboration represents a unique fusion of creativity and conservation.
Whisky Live Paris will host the auction from 28 September to 3 October 2024, featuring this and other exclusive items from world-renowned spirits brands. Portofino Dry Gin’s collaboration with Jemma Powell is not only a celebration of fine craftsmanship but also a tribute to the spirit of Portofino itself.
So, whether you’re drawn to the Italian Riviera’s stunning landscapes, its rich cultural heritage, or simply the idea of indulging in a premium gin that embodies the magic of Portofino, this collaboration is sure to captivate.
