Dr Adam Perchard wins inaugural Hogarth Prize for Leviathan

Self-taught artist beats 1,500 entries to take the inaugural £3,000 prize, with a solo show at Hogarth’s House to follow next spring

Hounslow Council has announced Dr Adam Perchard as the winner of its first Hogarth Prize, a new national art award based at Hogarth’s House in Chiswick. The self-taught artist won the £3,000 prize for his work Leviathan, and will stage a solo exhibition at the House next spring.

The winner was announced on Tuesday 28 July, alongside an exhibition of 70 shortlisted works by 56 artists at Hogarth’s House. The prize, launched earlier this year in William Hogarth’s former Chiswick home, drew more than 1,500 submissions from artists across the UK in its first year.

READ ALSO: New national art prize launched – The Hogarth Prize

‘It’s hard to put into words quite how honoured and delighted I am to win the Hogarth Prize,’ Perchard said.

‘As a self-taught artist, it means the world for my work to be recognised by such a distinguished museum, and the opportunity to have my first ever solo exhibition there will be life-changing. I can’t stop smiling.’

(L) Artist showing Councillor Shantanu Rajawat and Councillor Ajmer Grewal his two paintings which were shortlisted; (R) Leviathan

‘Hogarth has always been a big hero of mine,’ he added.

‘I love his wit and his sparkling satire, but also his capacity for beauty. Like him, I’m a writer as well as an artist, and I share his interest in exploring social inequalities.

‘The thought that my artworks are going to be hanging in his house is wild and humbling and wonderful.’

A judging panel of gallerist and artist Robyn Graham, painter Hero Johnson RP and artist Steven King, the Hogarth Prize Coordinator, selected Perchard’s work for its technical skill, its innovative approach and its engagement with contemporary culture.

Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council, said the award had already established itself nationally.

‘This remarkable new award has attracted talent from across the UK and demonstrates the enduring relevance of William Hogarth’s legacy of creativity, curiosity and social observation,’ he said.

‘The exceptional standard of entries received in this inaugural year shows that the Hogarth Prize has an exciting future ahead.’

Councillor Ajmer Grewal, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Safety, thanked the teachers, children and judges involved, along with the Parker Harris team who helped run the prize in its first year.

‘I encourage residents and visitors alike to come and see the exhibition and experience the incredible breadth of talent on display,’ he said.

The shortlisted artists come from across the UK, including London, Bristol, Edinburgh, Belfast, Plymouth, Falmouth and Dundee, with work spanning painting, printmaking, photography, drawing and mixed media.

The council said Perchard’s win, as a self-taught artist, reflects its wider aim of making the prize open to artists in the borough whatever their background.

Visitors to the exhibition can vote for their favourite work, with a £500 Visitors’ Choice Award to be announced in the final week.

The exhibition is free to visit and runs until Sunday 6 September at Hogarth’s House, Hogarth Lane, Chiswick.