The ‘Belonging Bentayga’ Painted by Stephen Wiltshire.
The 'Belonging Bentayga' is the latest product from Bentley Motors in its push to become the most inclusive luxury automaker in the world. This one-of-a-kind, hand-painted Alpine Green Bentayga Hybrid showcases skylines and iconic landmarks from cities throughout the globe, including New York, London, Paris, Milan, Venice, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. British architectural artist and autistic savant Stephen Wiltshire, MBE, is responsible for the artwork depicting the aforementioned 29 locations by drawing them from memory.
The Bentley Excellence Centre Bespoke Paint team has created a novel method for hand-painting Bentleys, and this is the first time it has been done in the Crewe facility.
Many sketches of individuals are also incorporated into the design, representing people from all around the world working together. The Bentley Bentayga is the third such work of art that Bentley has released to demonstrate its support for diversity.
“We’re delighted that Stephen has agreed to collaborate with us to create the ‘Belonging Bentayga’,” said Wayne Bruce, Chief Communications and D&I Officer. “This remarkable car celebrates Bentley craftsmanship and Stephen’s unique artistic genius. It’s also a key element in our Beyond100 strategy, which includes our industry-leading, five-step diversity and inclusion plan.”
He added, “We’re very proud to be able to say that Bentley’s workforce is made up of people from 52 different nationalities, and our diverse team handcrafts and sells our luxury cars in 67 countries from retailers in all the key cities of the world. The message that the unique and striking imagery of the Belonging Bentayga sends is that that no matter where you live, you belong. Our culture of supporting everyone to be able to achieve their highest potential mirrors Stephen’s ethos of do the best you can and never stop.”
Stephen Wiltshire comments: “Buildings have a way of telling a story: where you were born, your first job, where you got married—happy memories mean happy people. I have been on many travels throughout my career, and what stands out for me the most are the buildings, their architecture, and the people. I believe Bentley and the Belonging Bentayga relate in the same way, bringing people together, creating a journey, and creating memories. My art has always been about existing and connecting. The Belonging Bentayga was a great challenge for me, but I like to be challenged as it tests my ability and also proves that if you put your heart and soul into it, you can overcome anything. I am very proud of the finished car, which, in my humble opinion, looks amazing!”
West Indian parents brought Stephen Wiltshire into the world in London. He was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, when he was also silent. Stephen's family and instructors quickly realised that he didn't speak but instead communicated via drawings. He began with animals, then moved on to buses and then structures. His drawings of intricate cityscapes, infused with a dry sense of humour, have won him acclaim from critics all over the world.
After seeing the value of having employees from a wide range of backgrounds and viewpoints, Bentley Motors devised a five-point plan in 2021 to increase diversity and inclusion at the company's dream factory in Crewe. The plan's five pillars are outreach, recruiting, succession, planning, culture, and development.
Bentley Design was tasked with making a car's design that represents and honours diversity in all its manifestations as a way to commemorate the introduction of the strategy. Bentley designer Rich Morris, who also enjoys dabbling in painting and sculpture, came up with the idea for the Unifying Spur. Morris's automobile painting, inspired by the nine hues of the Progress Flag, features a single line that draws the phrase "Love is Love" and follows the contours of many human faces, bodies in motion, and other shapes, symbolising the power of love to bring people of all backgrounds and orientations together.
In addition, the July 2020 release of the Bentley Continental GT V8 Convertible included a rainbow theme. Bentley's home base of Crewe, its global workforce, and the optimism and appreciation felt by the company as it began to recover from the COVID-19 issue were all highlighted.