Nominations are made by course leaders. Judging is by an independent panel of industry professionals: artists, illustrators, gallery owners, agents and creative directors.
These are people who have made careers from the skills taught in our art schools.
There are no set criteria. The standard frames and uniform sizing simplify comparisons. The judges’ brief is to reward talent, technique and originality. Half an eye is reserved for commerciality: looking for work which will sell, because that’s the only way to make a living. But if last year’s event proved anything it was that there are very broad tastes out there – amongst judges and collectors.
25 shortlisted works are nominated, before the judges agree on the Highly Commended, Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.
Judging 2010 – last year’s jury
Lise Brian, creative director, the Chase (chair of judges)
Wendy Levy, gallery owner
Ian Pollock, illustrator (and legend)
Chris Gray, illustrator and illustration agent, Toy
Darren Baker, artist (and youngest person commissioned to paint HRH)
Phil Howells, creative director, The Raft
Judging 2011 – this year’s jury
Judging took place on Wednesday June 15th.
Lise Brian, creative director, the Chase (chair of judges)
Andy Cheetham, partner and creative director, CheethamBell JWT
Tom Richards, creative director, BJL Advertising
David Hughes, illustrator
Peter Horridge, type, lettering, calligraphy and crests specialist
Wendy Levy, creative agent and gallery owner
Judging 2012
As the competition grows, and we encourage entry from all Northern art schools, we will have to deal with the consequences of scale. The plan is to limit the competition and exhibition to the best 150 works. This will require a screening round to nominate those works which make the show. This may well raise the bar and encourage even better work.
It is hoped that this first selection will be made, again, by teachers in keeping with prior years.
We would like to discuss timings and logistics.
