Winner of the Inaugural Hogarth Prize Announced
Dr Adam Perchard selected by judges for his artwork Leviathan
The winning artist Dr Adam Perchard . Picture: Hounslow Council
July 30, 2026
Hounslow Council has announced the winner of its inaugural Hogarth Prize, a landmark new national art award that has drawn more than 1,500 submissions from across the UK and placed Hogarth’s House at the centre of a major new cultural initiative.
The prize, launched earlier this year in the former Chiswick home of William Hogarth, celebrates contemporary artists whose work reflects the spirit of the celebrated painter and social commentator. On Tuesday 28 July, the Council unveiled the first winner, Dr Adam Perchard, at a packed event marking the opening of an exhibition of shortlisted works.
Dr Perchard, a self-taught artist, was awarded the £3,000 prize for Leviathan and will stage his first solo exhibition at Hogarth’s House next spring. Speaking at the launch, he said the recognition was “life-changing,” adding: “Hogarth has always been a big hero of mine… The thought that my artworks are going to be hanging in his house is wild and humbling and wonderful.”
The free exhibition, running until 6 September, brings together 70 shortlisted works by 56 artists from London, Bristol, Edinburgh, Belfast, Plymouth, Falmouth, Dundee and beyond. The selection spans painting, printmaking, photography, drawing and mixed media, reflecting Hogarth’s legacy of technical skill, originality and sharp social observation.
A judging panel comprising gallerist and artist Robyn Graham, painter Hero Johnson RP and artist Steven King, the Hogarth Prize Coordinator, praised Dr Perchard’s work for its “technical skill and innovative approach” and its engagement with contemporary cultural conversations.
Nominated artists awaiting the announcement. Picture: Hounslow Council
Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council, said the prize had already established itself as a significant new platform for artists nationwide. “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 judges, teachers and young participants involved in the Hogarth Prize Schools show, and encouraged residents to visit the exhibition. “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 encourage residents and visitors alike to come and experience the incredible breadth of talent on display.”
The prize also reflects Hounslow’s commitment to widening cultural access. Dr Perchard’s win, as a self-taught artist, underscores the Council’s message that artists living in the borough — “whoever they are and wherever they live” — have opportunities to participate and be recognised.
Visitors to the exhibition can vote for their favourite artwork, with a £500 Visitors’ Choice Award to be announced in the final week.
The Hogarth Prize exhibition is free to visit at Hogarth’s House, Hogarth Lane, Chiswick, until Sunday 6 September.
Hogarth’s House is located on Hogarth Lane, Great West Road, W4 2QN.
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