Hounslow Council’s Hogarth Prize, a landmark new national art award, attracted more than 1,500 submissions from artists countrywide and celebrated the prize’s first winner, and shortlisted artists.
The Hogarth Prize was launched earlier this year by Hounslow Council, in the former home of renowned artist and social commentator William Hogarth.
Following a competitive selection process the winning artist, Dr Adam Perchard, was announced alongside an exhibition showcasing 70 shortlisted works by 56 artists from across the UK, at an event at Hogarth's House in Chiswick, on Tuesday, 28 July.
Dr Adam Perchard, winner of the Hogarth Prize 2026, said “It’s hard to put into words quite how honoured and delighted I am to win the Hogarth Prize. 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.
“Hogarth has always been a big hero of mine. 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. I can’t wait to get started on the work for my show there next spring!”
The free exhibition is open and runs until 6 September, bringing together a diverse range of artistic styles, media and perspectives. The works reflect the spirit of Hogarth's legacy, celebrating technical excellence, originality and thoughtful engagement with the world around us.
Dr Perchard was named the first-ever recipient of the Hogarth Prize with their work, Leviathan, they received a £3,000 award and the opportunity to stage a solo exhibition at Hogarth's House. A judging panel comprising of gallerist and artist Robyn Graham, painter Hero Johnson RP and artist and Hogarth Prize Coordinator Steven King, selected Dr Perchard’s work for its technical skill and innovative approach, along with its engagement with cultural conversation.
Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council, said "We are delighted to congratulate Dr Adam Perchard on becoming the first winner of the Hogarth Prize.
"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.
"Hounslow is proud to support arts and culture that inspire residents, attract visitors and provide opportunities for artists to showcase their work. The exceptional standard of entries received in this inaugural year, show that the Hogarth Prize has an exciting future ahead."
Councillor Ajmer Grewal, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Safety, said “I’d like to thank all the teachers and children who participated in our Hogarth Prize Schools show and all those who submitted work to the main prize. I congratulate our remarkable winner, Dr Adam Perchard, and those who were selected to exhibit alongside Dr Perchard at Hogarth's House, this summertime. I must finally thank our esteemed judges, the team at Parker Harris, and others who have supported the prize in it’s first year.
"I encourage residents and visitors alike to come and see the exhibition and experience the incredible breadth of talent on display."
The shortlisted artists come from across the UK, including London, Bristol, Edinburgh, Belfast, Plymouth, Falmouth and Dundee. The work spanned a wide range of media including painting, printmaking, photography, drawing and mixed media.
This exhibition and prize reflect Hounslow’s cultural offer and the self-taught winning artist, Dr Perchard, underlines how artists living in the borough, whoever they are and wherever they live, have access to culture and the opportunity to participate.
Visitors to the exhibition can now vote for their favourite artwork, with a £500 Visitors' Choice Award to be presented in the final week of the exhibition.
The exhibition is free to visit and takes place at Hogarth's House, Hogarth Lane, Chiswick, until Sunday, 6 September.
