Mr Heatherley Composition Prize 2023

Congratulations to José Ilidio, winner of this years Mr Heatherley composition prize.

José is a Brazilian artist based in London. His prize winning painting depicts his family, in the house where he grew up in Brazil; his mom, his aunt, his grandpa and his little cousin taking his first steps.

My family has always been the reason why I want to live, the harmony between us, and the love involved. I’m far from them but I am sure that whatever happens in my life they will be there for me. Winning this prize with this painting which represents my family, this was a very special day for me, thank you to @anthonyconnollyrp president at @royalsocietyportraitpainters for your Criticism. Thank you to my wonderful school @heatherley_school_of_art And thank you to everyone who supports me.

The Mr Heatherley Exhibition and Critique is an annual summer vacation project and competition initiated by the late Principal Emeritus John Walton, and based on a similar project originally given to painting students at the Slade. Students of Portraiture are asked to create a large group portrait and must grapple with the challenge of organising the composition of a group of people who may not necessarily be able to pose for the artist at the same time. The Royal Society of Portrait Painters kindly sponsors the event.

The exhibition runs from 16 October – 10 November 2023
10.00am – 4.00pm

Last entry
on Friday 10 November is 3.00pm

Location
The Heatherley School of Fine Art
75 Lots Road, London, SW10 0RN
Find us

Find out more about the Diploma in Portraiture here.