Bowie in top spot as 50 of most influential British artist of the past 50 years is revealed

Artist Joe Black adds the finishing touches to a portrait of David Bowie made from over 8,500 guitar plectrums, commissioned by Sky Arts to celebrate Bowie topping a new definitive list of Britain's 50 most influential artists of the past 50 years

Britain's 50 most influential artists of the past 50 years have been revealed in a new list compiled by a panel of experts from across the arts industry.

Musician David Bowie landed the number one spot, in a list that also features artist Banksy, 90s pop sensation the Spice Girls and director, screenwriter and actress Michaela Coel.

A team of expert judges across music, film and TV, performing arts, literature and visual art were challenged to create the list by TV channel Sky Arts in a celebration of British artists past and present and their influence on global culture.

The 15-person judging panel, led by DJ, presenter and author Lauren Laverne, included MOBO Awards founder Kanya King CBE, acclaimed writer Bonnie Greer, film critic, Ali Plumb and esteemed theatre critic Lyn Gardner.

Bowie was named most influential by judges as they commended his influence across the industry and ability to transcend a variety of mediums including music, film and fashion.

To celebrate David Bowie topping the list, Sky Arts commissioned Joe Black, a critically acclaimed mixed media artist from London, to create a unique artwork of the legendary musician using guitar plectrums.

Each plectrum features a cut out shape to symbolise all the artistic disciplines Bowie influenced, from music and film to art, performance and poetry.

Britain's top 10 most influential artists of the last 50 years are:

David Bowie – prolific songwriter, performer and actor, known for songs including Heroes, Life on Mars and Space Oddity