The Avant Garden founder was one of 70 individuals and organisations from across the Commonwealth to be chosen due to their contributions to culture, society, technology, and business.
The only person from Guernsey and the Crown Dependency to be approached by publishing agency St James’s House, Mr Martel will feature in the album celebrating Her Majesty’s life and the significant developments of the past seven decades.
‘It was the most amazing surprise – it’s a little bit surreal to be honest and completely beyond anything I could imagine,’ he said.
‘This will sit in people’s homes for years and years and be a lasting commemoration of a momentous occasion.’
From a local shop to an international online presence, Avant Garden is renowned for its fine cast bronze sculptures and garden furnishings, and a page of the album will be dedicated to Mr Martel’s life and work.
‘I channel so much energy and passion into Avant Garden and it’s incredible to look back and see how much the business has achieved and grown over the past 22 years,’ he added.
‘To have this recognised and celebrated in such a prestigious publication is an indescribable honour and something I’m incredibly proud of.’
The main inspiration for his business were the boutique-like shops in Holland, Belgium, and Germany, he said.
‘They are really beautiful, creative, and forward-thinking. At the time we had nothing like it at all.’
The book will be launched on 5 June at a private reception at Claridge’s.
Mr Martel said: ‘To not only attend but contribute to what will be a historic celebration and tribute to the Queen’s phenomenal 70-year reign is an extraordinary privilege.
‘I cannot wait to attend the launch event in June and be immersed in what is anticipated to be a reawakening of the creative sector.’
. ‘Her Majesty The Queen: The Official Platinum Jubilee Pageant Commemorative Album’ will be published by the Official Platinum Partner St James’s House and is available to pre-order at www.stjamess.org.
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