'The string for the pearls' - Within busy and dense central London the Thames is a precious gap giving us a refreshing sense of airy space. The river, bending and meandering through the city, connects many of the iconic landmarks, which line its banks like pearls on a string." (Hartwig Braun)

The 2011 Serco Prize for Illustration is a competition by the London Transport Museum, in partnership with the Association of Illustrators.

This year, the competition's theme is the River Thames and entries had to feature the river as a central feature of London and London life. The illustration should draw attention to the benefits of the river.

This is Hartwig's entry for the competition, which has been shortlisted to appear in the exhibition at the London Transport Museum next month. The 3 award winning illustrations will be announced on Monday 9th May 2011 at the exhibition launch and private view evening.

The exhibition runs from the 10th of May until 3rd of June at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden. We are both looking forward to seeing the exhibition and the rest of the shortlisted entries.