Louisa Waterford Prize 2026
Past and Present
The Louisa Waterford Prize was founded in 2022 by The Tin Shed to celebrate the strengths of artists, makers and designers and to pay tribute to the legacy of Louisa Beresford (nee Stuart), Marchioness of Waterford.
Louisa was an accomplished artist and philanthropist, often described as a woman ahead of her time. Part of her philanthropic work included encouraging artisans to make a living from their skills. It's an ethos we share at The Tin Shed today, in supporting artists and makers via our events and online studios.
Held every two years, the theme of the 2026 Prize is "Past and Present".
The Finalists
Here are all of this year's finalists' submissions for the 2026 Louisa Waterford Prize.
Some artists have submitted more than one piece for consideration. All the works below will be displayed as part of the final exhibition at Etal Village Hall on Sunday, May 24, when the judges will announce the winner. Scroll down to find out more about this year's judges.
Everyone will also be able to vote for their favourite in the People's Prize Winner on the day.
This is just a tiny taste of the amazing submissions, which really must be viewed up close in all their glory, so hope you can pop along to the pop-up Exhibition at Etal, in Northumberland, open 10.30am-4pm. Free entry.
Some of the exhibited work will also be for sale at the end of the event and many of the artists will be there for you to meet.
As well as the exhibition, there will be several solo exhibitions and arts' demos by other artists at Etal Village Hall and also at Lady Waterford Hall at Ford Village. Please see below for more information about the event day and specific details and opening times for what's on when at different venues.
Gail Curry
Grandpa's Classroom
Mixed media painting on wood panel.
The inside of Gail's grandpa's allotment shed which was a safe happy place for her.
Sea of Memories
Mixed media painting on wood panel.
A representation of Gail's memories, which like bubbles rise through the ocean of her life as she currently writes her memoir.
Catherine Glennie
Rock Lichen Porpidia Melinodes
Hand-dyed, painted, embroidered textile art.
Inspired by the millions of species of lichen surrounding her home, some dating back millions of years and their importance to the planet today. Lichens are an excellent bioindicator, can survive exposure to radiation, immersion into liquid nitrogen and even being sent into space. Lab grown species are now being studied to help build habitation on Mars.
Elegant Sunburst (Rusavskia Elegans)
Embroidered Textile
This piece has been framed to represent a laboratory lichen specimen. Lichen, which cover around 7% of the earth and are many millions of years old, are being studied for their resilience and even sent into space to possibly help create new life on Mars.
Anne O'Toole
Belsay
Gouache and pastel painting.
The old quarry walk at Belsay was created after stone was carved out to build the nearby house. The walk remains today, though it has been claimed by new life.
Sarah O'Dowd
Sanctuary at St Cuthbert's Cave
Oil painting.
Historic Inspiration: The flight of the monks. Hermitage connection.
A Haliwerfoic symbol.
Modern Reflection (Present): Pilgrimage and hiking. A Timeless refuge. Layers of history. Geological permanence.
Julia Sweryda
Kara Musa Pasha Mosque
Painting in Gouache on Canvas.
An abandoned mosque dating from 1683 at Rethymno in Crete. It once served as a monastery at the heart of the busy town but was closed over 150 years ago. Julia was taken aback by the beauty and sense of peacefulness of this historic building - now home to nature and a cat taking refuge in the shade.
Fliss Elsom-Cook
Yellow Figure
Abstracted figurative work. Oil on canvas.
Influenced by the work of Louisa Waterford. Taking the serene and light touch of her portraits and reimagining it in a modern aesthetic
We Are Made of Star Stuff
Oil on Canvas
A quote from Carl Sagan, this piece looks at the relationship of the death of stars that we are ultimately created from, and the fact that we can still see the light from those stars. When did we stop being the past?
Natalie Goodman
We Can Do It
Textile Embroidered Wall Hanging.
A textile banner to celebrate Louisa Waterford and the vanguard of women challenging inequalities and driving forward social change. The phrase We Can Do it, drawn from World War II, continues to inspire and motivate women. The stained-glass window is a nod to Louisa’s temperance background and to the stained-glass windows she used to create.
Tom Paterson
The Dancer
Acrylics on Canvas.
Colourful impressionist image of a dancer, from the past, on stage surrounded by crowds and lights. Dynamic movement and Memories of the 70’s.
Towards St. Mary's Lighthouse
Acrylics.
Seascape with dashing waves. Today’s landscape from Seaton Sluice near Whitley Bay. Taken from studies made recently.
Lindsey McLaren
The Village Bus Stop
Oil on Canvas Board. Plein air painting
The man-made brick bus stop is reclaimed by ivy – a structure used by locals and visitors yet softened by the persistent growth of nature. It celebrates the quiet, lived-in character of the village life that persists today as it did in the past.
River Teams at Lamesely
Oil on Canvas Board. Plein air study.
Captures the ‘natural beauty on our doorstep’, tucked away from the
modern hum of the nearby motorway. The presence of cattle in the pastures, focuses on the atmosphere of the river and the sentinel trees. It reflects the ‘Past and Present’ by documenting a pocket of landscape that remains a pastoral sanctuary, largely unchanged and resilient.
Dex Hannon
Blythian Memes
Animated Film 4mins 58secs
An experimental animation of repeating and morphing patterns, capturing the essence of Blyth, Northumberland, through its distinctive landmarks etched into memory during years of walks with his dogs. The film draws on a selection of buildings and objects, old and new, that have become “memes” of his mind. Selected frames from the film have also been extracted and reworked into digital artworks.
Natasha Armstrong
It Still Turns
Acrylic Painting
A vintage carousel that stills runs despite its age and brings joy.
Est 2023
Acrylic Painting
This is a nod to the coronation of King Charles III in 2023 and the Morris Minor car, which was produced in 1948, the same year the king was born.
Appleby
Acrylic Painting
Inspired by the mix of past and present on the streets of Appleby in Westmoreland during the horse fair, that started in 1775 as a livestock market and is now a major annual event.
Anthea Wood
O Cavalheiro
Oil painting.
Inspired by a recent visit to the Golega Horse Festival where everyone, young and old alike, wears traditional Portuguese costumes. The sense of tradition and the long history of the Lusitano breed is reflected in thei riders' sense of pride. Each one of them a flag bearer for a rich and traditional past. Anthea was drawn to paint this gentleman as his quiet but proud demeanour caught her eye.
The Greatest Showman
Oil painting.
Displays of classical dressage are entertainment of the present, but also the culmination of centuries of study undertaken in a world where the magnificence, bravery and servitude of the horse was as instrumental in the rise of culture, art and sport as it was in politics and war.
John Emerson
Totem of Time
Ash and Cherry Wood Clock Sculpture
The knots, curves and remnants of old bark remain marking seasons endured, storms survived and years of quiet growth. Now a clock, but also a relic of a world where trees keep their own hours and each growth ring is a chapter of the tree's secret memories.
Louisa Waterford Exhibition Event Extras
Solo Exhibitions, Art Demos, Open Studios
What's on, When and Where
As well as the main exhibition of this year's Louisa Waterford Prize finalists, there will be a number of other connected arts activities, solo exhibitions, demonstrations and open studios at various venues across Ford, Etal and Heatherslaw as part of the event.
Here are those already confirmed, but we may be adding more, so please keep an eye on any updates. Please double-check opening times with the artists who have their own studios at Ford and Etal as times may vary on the day.
Entry is free to all venues.
Alison Diamond
Artist/Printmaker
Alison is an award-winning printmaker from Wearside, who will be staging a special mini exhibition some very special works, which mean a lot to her because they feature members of her family and hold some very special memories.
Alison's work will be displayed at Etal Village Hall, in a separate solo exhibition, alongside the Prize exhibition, 10.30am-4pm. Free entry.
Alison will be around if you fancy popping along to say hello.
Find out more about Alison's work at www.thetinshed.co.uk/artist-studio/alison-diamond-rogers
Linda Scott-Robinson
Artist
Linda paints mostly landscapes in watercolours, acrylics and mixed media, inspired by the beautiful countryside surrounding her home at Howtel in north Northumberland.
Her work explores colour and light with a tendency towards the dramatic, often dotted by little jewels of colour in the landscape and hedgerows, or the light flitting across a hill.
Linda will stage a solo exhibition of her latest work in the rear room at Etal Village Hall from 10.30am - 4pm Sunday May 24, as part of the Louisa Waterford Prize event. Free entry.
See more of her work at www.thetinshed.co.uk/artist-studios/linda-scott-robinson
Kevin Nicholls
Artist
Kevin loves working outside, but we have persuaded him to step indoors to do some painting demos and exhibit his latest work in the beautiful surroundings of Lady Waterford Hall, which is part of the Ford and Etal Estate.
Working from his studio in Northumberland he takes inspiration for his land and seascapes from the surrounding countryside.
Kevin's most recent works are water-based oils often with an under painting in acrylic.
See more of his work at www.thetinshed.co.uk/artist-studios/kevin-nicholls
He will be in the rear room at Lady Waterford Hall at Ford village, 11am-4pm as part of the Louisa Waterford Prize event, on Sunday May 24. Free entry. Please see variations in opening times of other venues.
Natalie Goodman
Textile Artist
Natalie will exhibit and demonstrate detailed freehand machine embroidery techniques at part of the Louisa Waterford Exhibition event. She wil also display a range of her work, which draws inspiration from the Northumbrian beaches and hills near her home.
She uses a wide range of techniques, mixing stitching with silk painting, dying, felt work, quilting and eco printing in her detailed work. If you would like to meet her and find out more, she and her machine will be in the rear room at Etal Village Hall (where main Prize exhibition also takes place) 10.30am-4pm on Sunday May 24. Free entry.
Find out more about Natalie at www.thetinshed.co.uk/artist-studios/natalie-goodman
Carrie Buchanan-Brown
Textile Artist
Carrie is a textile artist, specialising in the ancient form of embroidery called crewel. It is a technique that uses wool instead of cotton, and dates from at least the eleventh Century. Carrie often creates pieces relating to local Northumberland folklore, but she has produced a special collection called Birds of a Feather, which she will be exhibiting as part of the Louisa Waterford Prize event. She will also stage free demonstrations during the day, so just pop in anytime to see her and pick up a few tips. Carrie's solo exhibition will run alongside one by artist Kevin Nicholls in the rear room at beautiful Lady Waterford Hall, 11am till 4pm, on Sunday May 24. Free entry.
Please see varying times for other venues on the day.
Peter Fagan
Sculptor
Peter, a sculptor based at Ford Village, in Northumberland, will be opening his usually private studio, to the public, as part of the Louisa Waterford Exhibition event on Sunday May 24, 11am - 4pm (please check opening times with Peter on the day).
Peter, who also runs The Old Forge antiques at Ford (next to his studio) went on to teach pottery and create commissions. He was also responsible for casting bronze sculptures for Coventry Cathedral. More of his work can be still seen in the Scottish town Lauder, where he created four coats of arms to celebrate its tercentenary. In the 1980s, Peter went on to set up Colour Box, which became one of the largest gifting companies in the UK. Now Peter produces contemporary abstract mixed media panels and sculptures working primarily with paint, resin and clay. He has just recently launched Peter Fagan Art peterfaganart.co.uk
Clare Brownlow
Artist
Clare, a wildlife artist, uses pheasant feathers to create her beautiful paintings. She recently moved her studio to the former Madcap Gallery at Etal, and also opened up a shop selling her work, at the former hydro power building and boat house next to the river (head down the road towards the river, just past the castle to find her shop at the bottom of the hill on the left and studio just opposite).
Clare studied art at Edinburgh College of Art and Leith School of Art where she specialised in atmospheric oil paintings.
After the birth of her first son in 2009, doodles with a pheasant feather at her kitchen table, led to new work and a new business.
Clare's gallery and studio opened at Etal in 2025.
Please check opening times before you visit. www.clarebrownlow.co.uk
John Speight
Paper Cut Artist
John has been a professional papercut artist since 1990. He is self-taught but comes from a family with a tradition of silhouette profile cutting. Although he is the third generation in the line of silhouette artists, he decided not to cut profiles like the others, but to create his own style.
John and his wife Lorna, a jewellery designer, at Spirit of Colour jewellery, now have their studios and gallery at Heatherslaw, which is part of the Ford and Etal Estate (it lies between Ford and Etal villages, just off the main road running between them).
Both John and Lorna's work is on display, and they can often be seen at work in their studio so you may well catch them at work on your visit.
They will be open 10.30am-4pm on Sunday May 24, when we stage our Louisa Waterford Exhibition Event. Please check times and get more info at
www.spiritofcolourjewellery.co.uk
Meet the Judges
Our panel of esteemed judges are passionate about supporting the local creative industry and also the legacy of Louisa Waterford.
Alison Diamond-Rogers
Artist/Printmaker
Until recently Alison worked as an Academic Tutor at Sunderland University teaching printmaking for Illustration, Graphics and Fashion. She is also a freelance artist/ consultant within community settings, initiating projects. A member of Northern Print Studios, Allendale Forge Network, The Tin Shed Artist Network and Hatton Gallery, she has exhibited her work nationally and internationally.
Chris Jackson
Journalist/Presenter/Producer
Chris is an award-winning TV presenter, reporter, investigative journalist and documentary producer. He spent 40 years in radio and TV and is passionate about his native northeast. Probably best known as a former Look North reporter/ presenter and for 18 years the face of BBC One's current affairs programme "Inside Out". He is now a freelance producer and a keen supporter of the local creative industry.
Mo Healy
Artist/Printmaker
Mo is an artist-printmaker based in Northumberland. Originally from Ireland, she trained as a stained glass and mosaic designer in London, receiving the Chase Award to study in Italy. She also works as a teacher, specialising in producing hand-printed, hand-stitched art books.
She runs workshops at various venues across Northumberland and the Borders, including Lady Waterford Hall.
About Louisa
Born Lady Louisa Stuart, she became Marchioness of Waterford after marrying Henry Beresford, Lord Waterford. She moved from his family seat in Ireland to Ford Castle in Northumberland following his death in the mid-1800's.
Already an accomplished amateur artist Louisa was well-known in London's elite artistic circles. She was tutored by art critic and author John Ruskin and they became good friends for about 40 years until her death. Louisa is also known for her philanthropic work. She and her husband built hundreds of new houses and a school for the estate workers in Ireland, as well as setting up sustainable craft industries to provide employment. Although still grieving when she arrived at Ford, she re-designed and improved living conditions on the estate and built a new school. That building is now Lady Waterford Hall.
She also improved living conditions for the mining communities near her husband's family home at Seaton Delaval in Northumberland and was instrumental in setting up a women's mission and fundraising following a pit disaster that killed over two hundred men and boys.
Today Ford's well-preserved buildings and the biblical scenes she spent 22 years painting stand as her legacy. Although Louisa and her work isn't as well-known as her male counterparts, the murals remain unparalleled by any other woman artist of Louisa’s generation across Europe.
