'Litter Pickasso' - Environmental artist commissioned to create new artwork for Bradford's City Hall

Mr Thomas, who trained at Bradford School of Art, was commissioned by the outgoing Lord Mayor Councillor Mohammed Shafiq to create a new artwork for his office.

The work, based on a photograph Mr Thomas took of Bradford during its City of Culture Year, has now been unveiled.

Lord Mayor Shafiq said: “It gives me great pleasure to present to the Office of the Lord Mayor a specially commissioned portrait of City Hall. Our City Hall is more than a building. It is the heart of our civic life.

“What makes this portrait even more special is the young artist who created it — James Owen Thomas. James is an exceptionally talented young autistic artist whose work shows remarkable creativity and depth.

“When I first saw his artwork, I was truly moved by the way he captures light, architecture and emotion.

"I have no doubt that one day we may well look back and say that Bradford helped nurture the next great British artist — perhaps even the next David Hockney.”

It’s a comparison that Mr Thomas knows is a lot to live up to – but he is no stranger to praise, having previously been nicknamed the “Litter Pickasso.”

He said: “My inspiration comes from single used waste that would normally go into landfill.

“I’m changing and varying my material all the time, I’ve become a lot broader and use a lot more varied materials – any kind of waste, even plastics. I’ve always been about sustainability and reusing and repurposing.

“I would like to thank The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Mohammed Shafiq for commissioning the artwork and the wonderful words he used in his statement to the full council which I am truly humbled by.

“To know that my artwork will be displayed in the Office of the Lord Mayor and become part of the history of the amazing city of Bradford is truly special, especially as I was a student at Bradford School of Art – where David Hockney studied.”

Mr Thomas lives in nearby Saltaire, and has his own gallery in Bradford. He said: “Bradford is a city close to my heart.

"I was born in the south east, but Yorkshire is part of who I am now. Being able to read what the Lord Mayor wrote about me is an honour. I feel very proud and humbled.”

Lord Mayor Shafiq added: “Bradford has always been a city of talent, diversity and opportunity. By showcasing James’s work in the Office of the Lord Mayor, we are not only celebrating our beautiful City Hall, but also celebrating the power of young people, creativity, and inclusion.

“James reminds us that talent comes in many forms, and that our duty as a city is to recognise it, support it, and give it space to flourish. “I hope that this portrait will remain in the Lord Mayor’s office for many years to come — a reminder of this year, but more importantly a reminder of the extraordinary people who make up our city”.