Deptford-based Artist Shortlisted for Big Award
Deptford-based artist John Heywood-Waddington has had his Rainy Day London painting selected for the ING Discerning Eye exhibition where more than 730 artworks by 529 artists have been selected from a staggering 6,500 entries, reflecting the breadth and vibrancy of contemporary British art.
Curated by a panel of six prominent art world figures—Curtis Holder, Polly Morgan, Richard Ansett, Rosie Millard, Dr Chris Stephens, and Nicholas Scott—the exhibition offers a dynamic mix of styles, subjects, and media. Each selector made independent choices, resulting in six distinct curatorial perspectives within one cohesive show.
“We were all bowled over by the number and quality of submissions,” said Dr Chris Stephens.
“The level of skill and effort was overwhelmingly successful,” added Polly Morgan.
“I think it’s going to be a truly exciting show,” said Curtis Holder.
John adds, “It’s a fantastic opportunity to have my work shown alongside artists from all over the country in a prestigious London venue (and potentially win prizes up to £5,000)”.
The exhibition opens with an awards evening on Thursday 13 November, presenting £15,000 in prizes, including the £5,000 ING Purchase Prize. Supported by ING since 1999, this partnership marks one of the UK’s longest-running commercial art sponsorships. Over the years, it has:
- Exhibited 12,500+ works by 4,000 artists
- Awarded £300,000+ in prize money
- Sold £1.4 million+ worth of art
Visitors can explore works in painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, textiles, ceramics, video, mixed media, and more. A daily programme of events and artist demonstrations will accompany the exhibition.
A virtual edition of the exhibition will run until 1 January 2026, extending access to audiences nationwide and beyond.
Mall Galleries from 14 to 23 November 2025
The exhibition is free to visit every day, 14th – 22nd 10am to 5pm, and 10am to 1pm on Sunday 23rd.
