Fatema Zahra Mithwani with her winning design
(Credit: courtesy of Faeza Mithwani)

Elham Asaad Buaras

An 11-year-old Muslim girl from Watford, Hertfordshire, has won a competition to design a mug commemorating the National Health Service for the UK’s oldest tableware manufacturer.

Fatema Zahra Mithwani won the under 12s category, her design will now be made by Royal Crown Derby Artisans who aim to produce 26,299 mugs, representing the NHS 72nd anniversary. Over 600 entries were submitted to Crown Derby Artisans ‘Make a mug, Make a difference’ competition.

Fatema’s mugs will be sold for £30 with all the profits being donated directly to NHS Charities Together Covid-19 Urgent Appeal.

The Royal Crown Derby Museum is planning a temporary exhibition on commemorative pieces where Fatema’s design will take centre stage. Fatema, who is also up for The Muslim News Imams Hasan and Husayn Children’s Award for Excellence, will be invited to Derby to meet the design team and see how the mugs are made from start to finish at the factory.

She will also take a tour of the Palace of Westminster with Jo Gideon MP, and will be presented with the first mug off the production line together with her framed artwork. The winners will also visit the V&A, where her mugs will be exhibited.

Fatema Zahra told The Muslim News, “For as long as I can remember, I have loved to draw and write. It is just that feeling you get when you bring things to life, with words, colours, shapes, and your very own unique touches!

For my final design, I decided to include the motif of 2 smiling doctors linking arms, to represent unity, solidarity, community spirit, determination, resilience, service, teamwork, and optimism. I’d like to thank my magnificent art teacher, Ruth and my Year-6 form teacher, Mrs Keigher, who encouraged us all to take part!”

Royal Crown Derby Museum Director, Elizabeth Woledge said, “Seeing all of the entries as they came in has been a real pleasure. There were some really excellent designs, showcasing the many ways in which young people are inspired by the NHS today.

Everyone’s entry was very much appreciated. The winners and highly commended entrants should be very proud of themselves indeed.”