Derby College Group art student wins Bryan Harris Bursary for powerful, topical artwork

An inspiring and thought-provoking piece of artwork highlighting the devastating human impact of war has earned Derby College Group (DCG) Art & Design student Leo Walton this year’s Bryan Harris Bursary from the Arts Society Derby.

The annual award, which has increased to £500 this year, was judged by Arts Society Derby members Vikki Fitt, Anita Pearson and Bill Jones. Five talented students from the Joseph Wright post-16 Academic and Arts College were shortlisted, with Leo’s striking mixed-media work chosen as the overall winner.

The Bryan Harris bursary is awarded to a Derby College Group Art & Design student who demonstrates outstanding creativity, technical skill, and personal expression in their final major project, with the bursary supporting their progression into higher education or a creative career.

18 year old Leo, who comes from Derby, is currently studying for a UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at DCG. His artwork, which incorporates lino print, collage, foam board, MDF, and acrylic paint, features a bold bomb outline referencing the peace movement, CND, and Greenpeace. The piece explores how war, though a universal term, affects lives in profoundly different and personal ways.

Leo said he plans to use his bursary towards purchasing an iPad or materials to support his future creative projects, and hopes to progress to the University of Derby to study Graphic Design.

Tracey Ramsdale, Teacher of Art and Design at DCG, praised Leo’s progress and creativity. She said: "Leo has made such incredible progress during his time at college and this award is a testament to his hard work, imagination, and growing confidence as an artist. The judges were impressed by the originality and message of his piece, and how skilfully he employed a range of techniques to powerful effect.”

The other shortlisted students also produced outstanding and varied work, including:

• Lola Robinson (19): a clever stop-motion
• Abi Cason (19): a stunning oil painting inspired by horror cinema
• Isobelle Kennedy (18): a mixed media series exploring the five stages of grief, drawn from personal experience
• Emils Bistrovs (19): a meticulously crafted apothecary model based on the 1856 Bradford Street poisoning

Vikki Fitt, Young Arts representative at Arts Society Derby, said: “The standard of work was exceptionally high this year, and Leo’s piece really stood out for its message, creativity, and technical excellence. We’re delighted to support such emerging talent and continue our long-standing partnership with Derby College Group.”