We’re delighted to announce The Batsford Prize 2025 shortlist!
The judges for this year’s Batsford Prize have decided on a shortlist of 30 entries across the five categories Applied Arts & Textiles, Fine Art, Illustration, Children’s Illustration and Architecture.
The judges for the 2025 award were professionals from across the creative industries: Neil Dunnicliffe, Vaughan Grylls, Anne Kelly, Eoghan O’Brien, Mike Tonkin and Polly Powell.
The shortlisted entries will be showcased in an exhibition at the Batsford Gallery in Central London 29 May – 8 June. The winners of the Batsford Prize 2025 will be announced on 28 May. First prize in all categories is a £300 cash prize and £100 worth of books from Batsford. Plus: An additional £300 cash prize for an overall winner across the categories.
APPLIED ART AND TEXTILES
A European Summer
Abby Prince, BA Textile Design, Arts University Bournemouth.
‘This project captures a sense of place through my travels abroad to Greece and Portugal, blending stitch and print techniques. The collection celebrates fun in the sun, with a vibrant colour palette and intricate floral studies.’
Abby Prince is a third-year textiles student studying at Arts University Bournemouth, specialising in digital print and machine embroidery. She thrives in creating innovative ways of combing my two specialisms together to create playful and cohesive collections for women’s fashion. Find her on Instagram.
Biomimicry
Cerys Watkins, BA Illustration, Arts University Bournemouth.
‘This project showcases a playful approach to fabrics and explores how the natural world is full of weird and wonderful creatures, patterns, and colours. My aim was to have as much fun with this project as I could, and combine my skills to create a striking fashion collection.’
Cerys Watkins is a textile designer and illustrator based in the Isle of Wight and currently studying MA Illustration at Arts University Bournemouth. Find her on Instagram.
Botswana Safari
Isabella Sheridan, BA Textile Design, Arts University Bournemouth.
‘This project looks into Botswana Safaris, using the techniques screen printing, collage , digital print and paper embellishments. These techniques and the colours and compositions create a myriad of maximalist designs. Sustainability was also considered using dead stock fabrics.’
Isabella Sheridan is in her last year studying Textiles at Arts University Bournemouth. Her collections focus on using a range of medias to create detailed drawings as well as creating mark making and geometric style drawings. Her print style is maximalism. Find her on Instagram.
Crafting: The Cumbria Palette
Amber Moore BA Textiles, Arts University Bournemouth.
‘My work explores the playful combination of materials and colours that associate with the Lake District’s Landscapes, translating weave, UV print, laser cut, crochet and knit into an interior collection. It captures the essence of the area and my value for hand-crafted Textiles.’
Amber Moore is a student studying Textiles at Arts University Bournemouth. She creates textural designs using craft-based textiles and enjoys incorporating both soft and hard furnishings into her work and applying her samples to various interior spaces. Find her on Instagram.
The Art of Utility
Evie Smith, BA Textiles, Arts University Bournemouth.
‘For this theme, I used household objects as my inspiration, to create innovative and playful designs. I looked at objects such as washing machines and wall mounts and challenged myself to show how something considered boring, can be transformed into something interesting.’
In her final year studying textiles at Arts University Bournemouth, Evie Smith specialises in print for interiors, and would describe her design style as maximalist and innovative. Through the use of hand and digital print, cut work and a well developed colour palette, she creates unique designs which are full of character. Find her on Instagram.
FINE ART
Fly on the Wall
Eloise Lifton, BA Multi-Disciplinary Printmaking, University of West of England.
‘This series explores a playful intervention between the unassuming viewer and a small replica fly. Fly on the Wall is an ongoing and ever growing installation of over 500 digitally printed, hand-cut vinyl stickers. Zines are used to archive and document the installation.’
As an artist, Eloise Lifton utilises printmaking, artist books, zines and digital stickers, specifically in this work to explore expanded still life through the reoccurring motif of the fly. Find her on Instagram.
Playing with Power
Terry Siu, BA Fine Art with Sculpture, University of Chichester.
‘Playing with Power (225 × 208 × 80 cm) is a sculptural installation using cardboard and wood to turn a seesaw into a political game. Two oversized figures rise and fall in an endless play-fight, using humour to reveal the ups and downs of power—offering perspectives and hope.’
Terry Siu is a Hong Kong-born artist working in painting and sculpture. His work explores power, memory, and emotion through symbolic materials, blending realism with abstraction and political reflection. Find him on Instagram.
Two Wheels
Eileen Morley, MA Textiles, Royal College of Art.
‘This work was born out of London commutes and objects found while cycling. Once wrapped in knitting, these things take on a silhouette imbued with care. The pieces, though abstract, speak about waste, attention, and the life of objects, either enduring or ephemeral.’
Eileen Morley is an artist and knitter. She is currently an MA Textiles student at RCA, where she uses the loops of knit stitches to address time, and textiles. Find her on Instagram.
Entangled
Upasana Chadha, MA Design and Communication Design, Glasgow School of Art.
‘The story of marine plastic pollution is often told in fragments—floating islands of waste, microplastics in our food chain, and bans on straws and shopping bags. However, Entangled exposes an overlooked truth: the fishing industry is one of the most significant contributors.’
Upasana Chadha is an illustrator and image-maker from India. Her work explores the complex relationships between humans and nature; narratives of environmental awareness, ecological systems, and the need for coexistence. Find her on Instagram.
If Virtual Scenario
Soeun Kim, BA Fine Art, Royal College of Art.
‘Focusing on how future beings might view and interpret the current civilization. Excavating and studying the remains of present civilization long after its disappearance or transformation.’
Soeun Kim is a South Korean artist whose work reflects a deep commitment to environmental and animal welfare issues. Raised in a family steeped in Eastern medicine and ecological values, she developed a strong belief in the importance of sustainability and harmonious coexistence with nature. Her practice explores posthumanist perspectives and themes such as future archaeology to examine the evolving relationship between humans and the natural world. Soeun often uses biodegradable, natural, and upcycled materials in her sculptures, and works with oil and acrylic paints in her paintings to further emphasize her ecological message.
ARCHITECTURE
Brutalist Playground
Molly Dhillon, MA Architecture, Birmingham City University.
‘These images explore the redevelopment of play spaces at Sheffield’s Park Hill Estate through a fusion of brutalist design principles and interactive elements. This project is comprised of inflatable elements and brutalist forms creating the play space.’
Molly Dhillon studied architecture at undergraduate level and is currently pursuing a Master’s in the field. She is exploring the intersection of spatial practice, protest, and speculative design through critical, site-based interventions. Find her on Instagram.
Exploring Chinese Architecture
Matthew Hare, BA Graphic Design and Illustration, Liverpool John Moores University.
‘An exploration into Chinese architecture through reportage drawing inside a sketchbook while based on a school exchange with Normal university in Shanghai, China. Through using my fun and playful art style I explored Chinese architecture alongside the culture, food and city to create this series of drawings.’
Matthew Hare is currently in his final year of studying Ba (Hons) Illustration & Graphic Design at Liverpool John Moore’s University. He specialises in illustration and traditional print making while exploring themes of his everyday life, his love of animals and his own experiences of being Transgender. Find more about his work at www.MattMadeDis.co.uk.
Journey to Heaven
John Shim, BA Architecture, London South Bank University School of Architecture.
‘The purpose of the design was to create a space where users could come from wherever they are, to study, rest and play. On the sides of the main structure are smaller pods/breakout rooms that serve different purposes such as study rooms, music rooms, game rooms etc. and at the top is a seating/café area. These rooms are accessed via the central double helix staircase. The main client that this space was designed for, were students as the majority of the immediate population were students. My inspiration of the building was my brother who was a huge part of my life, but unfortunately he recently passed away at the start of the academic year, but as a firm Christian believer, I believe that he is now in the embrace of the Father and I wanted to create a space in memory of him. The whole ideology of the design was to represent the journey of life, from the beginning to the end: The stairs representing the time we spend on this earth, whether it be working or resting or playing etc. And as you journey up towards the sky, you reach the café/seating area that represents Heaven where people are at the climax of their lives, where they can be restful and joyful.’
John Shim is a Christian Undergraduate Student at London South Bank University School of Architecture. Find him on Instagram.
Phone Screen
Eraj Fatima, Stage 3 Architecture, University of Kent.
‘The idea was that you go around places, see new sights through your phone. Usually our phone screen gets replaced after you have a little too much fun and play. It withers and breaks. And sometimes those memories gets erased like words on books. Hence why i used tippex (a marker that ‘erases’ words that were meant to be permanent). So to treasure those recent fond memories, I drew Casa Milia in Barcelona after witnessing such playful architecture.’
Eraj Fatima is a third-year student at the university of Kent studying architecture with a creative passion and love for animals.
The Foundry
Elija Halil, MA Architecture and Planning, University of Kent.
‘The Foundry is a cost effective adaptive reuse project located on Chatham High Street. This retrofit design transforms an existing building into flexible and affordable startup spaces, specifically aimed at supporting local residents and emerging entrepreneurs.’
Elija Halil is a master’s architecture student and content creator based in London/ Kent, sharing his creative journey, design interests, and daily life through visual storytelling that reflect personality and everyday creativity. Find him on Instagram.
ILLUSTRATION
A Cord
Gefan Huang, Illustrations 3A: Boundaries and Collectives, Edinburgh College of Art.
‘There is a cord in my picture book that not only carries the fun of play, but also weaves the warmth of family moments. This thread changes throughout the story, sometimes becoming a rolling ball of yarn, sometimes a kite string flying in the
Gefan Huang is a student at Edinburgh College of Art. Her work often explores emotion and narrative through a limited colour palette, black and white contrasts, and symbolic objects. She enjoys creating visual stories that are both simple and evocative.
High Stakes
Isla Sharpe, BA Graphic Design and Illustration, De Montfort University.
‘An illustrated board game following 4 Vampire characters trying to blend in with human life and learning about what makes it fun.’
Isla Sharpe is a Graphic Design and illustration student at De Montfort University. She loves projects that she can bring lots of colour and texture into and enjoy pushing mediums beyond the obvious. Find her on Instagram.
Ikea
Nayia Roumba, BA Graphic Design and Illustration, De Montfort University.
‘The aim of the campaign is to showcase IKEA’s environmental impact by educating people on how they can leave a greener footprint, through small actions in their own homes while using IKEA eco friendly appliances. While bringing attention to IKEA’s sustainability goals.’
Nayia Roumba is a Designer and Illustrator at DMU who loves telling warm, character-driven stories. She aims to create art that feels, heartfelt, and fun. Find her on Instagram.
The Original Pinnochio
Amelie Ryder-Potter, Ba Illustration, Camberwell College of Art UAL.
‘A film about toys, adulthood and Pinocchio. The story follows a toy searching for his owner. Each section depicts a different way in which we as adults relate to our childhood toys. Hand-made toys and props filmed in front of a green screen and edited onto painted backgrounds.’
Watch the full film here
Amelie loves toys, storytelling and the act of play. They are currently in their final year studying BA Illustration at Camberwell College of Art, London. Find them on Instagram.
Old Norse Storytelling: The Yggdrasil Tree
Beth Pickett, BA Illustration, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge School of Art.
‘Hard ground etching, made of two conjoining A2 plates, printed in black, on Somerset paper. It depicts the Yggdrasil tree, and the Norse fables and worlds linked to this. The purpose of the print is to introduce viewers to the Old Norse world of storytelling and imagination.’
Beth Pickett is printmaker based in Cambridge and specialising in etching. In her work, she loves to explore the possibilities of mark making, often focusing on nature and folklore. Find her on Instagram.
CHILDRENS ILLUSTRATION
Bath Time
Georgia Lumley, MA Children’s Book Illustration Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge School of Art.
‘The final spread of one of the pages in my book. ‘I really don’t like bath time, there’s so much i’d rather do. But when Dad puts the bubbles in, I can build a zoo!’
Georgia Lumley an illustrator based in Berkshire. She loves to experiment with different materials, creating her own textures and playing around with collage. Find her on Instagram.
Crocodile
Chris Harrendence, MA Contemporary Dialogues, University Wales.
‘As part of my MA research, I have been exploring childhood memories. Using narrative illustration as a tool, I use these memories to document an autobiographical journey of youth. The memory of a first painting or a visit to an art gallery act as catalysts in this collection.’
By pushing beyond the traditional methods of image making, Chris Harrendence’s illustrative work takes a slightly absurd view focusing on childhood, belonging and the nonsense of trying to understand his place in the world. Find him on Instagram.
Do Pets Have Jobs
Naomi Tipping, MA Children’s Book Illustration Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge School of Art.
‘Lift out the animals and find the perfect job for each pet. If your pet had a job what would it be? A fun, playful, interactive book for preschoolers, designed to get children excited about books from a young age. I hope it will encourage conversations around personality and suitability and that the removable characters will inspire play and storytelling inside and outside of the pages.’
Watch the full flick through here.
Naomi is an illustrator based in Nottingham. She recently graduated from the MA in Children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art. She likes tackling difficult subjects in her work, in an accessible way, as well as making silly things that make people smile! Find her on Instagram. Pre order Naomi’s upcoming picture book Cats in Pants.
Process
Vannysha Chang, MA Children’s Book Illustration Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge School of Art.
‘Process’ is a play on the vinyl record format. Its sleeve contains a booklet that depicts three friends spending their Summer vacation playing with music, recording songs, and the funny scenarios that come with an ad hoc music studio inside one’s bedroom.’
Vannysha Chang is an illustrator from Indonesia, based in Cambridge, UK. She mostly paints with acrylic gouache. Her work is deeply inspired by the people in her life and by music. Find her on Instagram.
The House Dragon
Will Knight, MA Children’s Book Illustration Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge School of Art.
‘When a reluctant child is left behind on moving day, the HouseDragon wakes, and an adventure begins. As they leap and fly after the removal van, disaster strikes and the child must step up to save the day… which he does, just in time for fun and play.’
Read the full book here.
Will Knight has been drawing for as long as he can remember – turning ideas into pictures, bringing characters to life, and making emotional connections through visual storytelling. Find him on Instagram.
The Winners of the Batsford Prize will be announced on the 28 May.
