Discerning Eye
Exhibition
Is now calling for entries
Now in its fourth decade, the Discerning Eye Exhibition returns in 2026 with an open call for UK-based artists, building on last year's record-breaking edition, which featured more than 730 artworks by 529 artists, selected from an outstanding 6,500 entries.
This year's exhibition will be curated by six prominent figures from across the art world: actor and arts champion Hugh Bonneville, artist and scientist Jasmine Pradissitto, IP and art lawyer and collector Jon Sharples, portrait artist Kelvin Okafor, arts editor Martin Robson, and art market critic and economist Mel Gerlis.
Each selector works independently, bringing their own distinct perspective to create six exhibitions within the whole.
All works must be small-scale: no larger than 50cm including frame, and available for sale, making the exhibition an opportunity to discover and collect original art from emerging and established artists alike.
The deadline for submissions is 27 August 2026.
2025 Exhibition Highlights
The 2025 ING Discerning Eye was the largest in the exhibition's history, featuring more than 730 artworks by 529 artists, selected from an outstanding 6,500 entries that highlighted the breadth and vibrancy of contemporary British art.
Curated by a panel of six respected art world figures: Curtis Holder, Polly Morgan, Richard Ansett, Rosie Millard, Dr Chris Stephens, and Nicholas Scott, the exhibition brought together six independent curatorial perspectives within one dynamic and cohesive display.
All works are small-scale (no larger than 20 inches / 50 cm), offering an accessible way to discover and collect original art from emerging and established artists.
For the full list of prize winners, please see below:
ING Purchase Prize: Victoria Sills, Alice.
Discerning Eye Founder’s Prize: Hannah Woodman, Tunnel, Hackney Towpath.
Discerning Eye Chair’s Purchase Prize: Harriet Porter, Study of Spherical Vessel.
Mervyn Metcalf Purchase Prize: Andi Darling, ‘You can take ALL the pictures of me you like’ No.5.
Tabish Khan Critic’s Purchase Prize: Sarah Gooder, Mother and baby.
Discerning Eye Drawing Bursary: Harriet Mena Hill, for three works from The Aylesbury Fragments.
Portrait Prize: Annie Heyworth, Maggie Smith ‘Becoming Jane’.
Print Prize: Margaret Ashman, Slow Dancing 1.
Cityscape Prize: Oscar Whicheloe, Norton & Sons II.
Sculpture Prize: Sandra Camargo, The Phone Not Ringing.
Landscape Prize: Valerie Bennett, Giacometti Tree.
Parker Harris Mentoring Prize: Eve Dobel, To be held by you.
London Regional Prize: Simon Chalmers, Shipping Container, The Southbank Centre, London SE1.
Wales Regional Prize: Philip Watkins, Postcards from the Edge of Town No.3.
North of England Regional Prize: Mandy Payne, Much Loved, Much Missed.
Midlands Regional Prize: Allison Ksiazkiewicz, Seeley, Voelker and Hinman-Irwin Amphora.
South of England Regional Prize: Martin Barraud, Human: being.
Northern Ireland Regional Prize: Mark Geddis, Tethered.
Scotland Regional Prize: Jade Stout, Tidal Interruptions 4.
