One portrait, built from the very principle the King has championed for fifty years — that in nature, nothing is truly waste.
Conceived, commissioned and made in London — then entrusted by His Majesty to travel the world as a custodian's gift, carrying its message from the capital to the global stage.
Conceived, guided and commissioned by Taz Khan MBE · in collaboration with the artist Michael Shellis.
The King of Sustainability is an intricate artistic homage to His Majesty The King's lifelong vision to restore balance between humanity and the natural world.
Inspired by His Majesty's book Harmony, the work reflects the principles of balance, interconnectedness and cyclical renewal — embodying the idea that art and science can together restore the natural order, and expressing a relationship between people, planet and purpose.
From concept to completion, every element was chosen to carry both sustainable provenance and symbolic meaning: nothing bought that could be found, and nothing used that could not also mean something.
The work also honours the design ethos of Lord Snowdon, whose belief that beauty must serve purpose shaped a generation of British design — the same spirit of thoughtful craftsmanship that unites heritage with modern stewardship throughout the piece.
Through this composition, The King of Sustainability stands as both tribute and testament, echoing His Majesty's belief that true sustainability is not an afterthought but an intentional, daily act of participation in nature's continuous dialogue.
Responsibly sourced, for the rhythm of the seasons and the royal custodianship of the land.
Floral forms drawn from the cathedral's blooms — a symbol of endurance and spiritual beauty.
A salvaged base anchoring the piece in London's heritage and the regenerative value of reuse.
Everyday residue transformed into something enduringly graceful.
British timber collected and cut within the Highgrove Estate woodsheds, finished by local craftspeople.
For years, my work has lived where food meets waste — and in all of it, I have tried to find the value in what others would throw away. Not only in materials, but in people.
When a friend placed His Majesty's book Harmony in my hands, it reaffirmed everything I had come to believe: that nothing in nature, and no one, is ever truly without worth. I have long been grateful for all the King has done for so many — including, in ways he may never know, for me.
I wanted to thank him for his stewardship. And so I asked a simple question — what gift do you give to a King? Naturally, you make something timeless: a piece of art that sees value in waste, and turns waste into wonder.
Created in the basement of the Urban Farmer Project at Shoe Lane, from repurposed waste materials. The birthplace of the portrait — and the first place it was shown.
Presented and gifted to HM King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, recognising its message of sustainability, creative reuse and environmental stewardship.
Exhibited at Mansion House — the official residence of the Lord Mayor — in the heart of the City of London.
Following its gifting, the portrait was accepted into the Royal Collection Trust — entrusted to a custodian to carry and share with the world on the King's behalf.
The portrait opened the Zero Waste Hub for London Climate Action Week 2026.
Now at the Royal Society of Arts, on public view through September — continuing its journey in a setting known for creativity, innovation and social progress.
A future destination linking the work to heritage craft, environmental education and sustainable living.
A future setting reflecting conservation, nature and responsible stewardship of the natural world.
A future platform to reach a wider public audience through culture, storytelling and craft.
The portrait reaches the world stage at the COP31 climate summit.
Onward to India, carrying the portrait's message to a new continent.
To Abu Dhabi, bringing the work to the Gulf.
A 2027 tour of the United States, anchored by a showcase in Dallas, Texas (Passport Stop 9) — completing the circle.
The portrait’s first public viewing — the Royal Society of Arts, London.
The portrait during London Climate Action Week — with guests at the Zero Waste Hub.
The story of the King of Sustainability, told around the world.
