Theo Paphitis Invests in the British Art Scene and Announces Winners of the LGC Art Prize

On Wednesday 17 September 2025, the London Graphic Centre (LGC) celebrated the UK’s artistic talent in an exclusive evening. After much deliberation by this year’s eight fantastic judges, Theo Paphitis announced the LGC Art Prize finalists at the iconic Covent Garden store.

The LGC Art Prize garnered widespread interest and engagement from across the artistic and creative community, receiving over 1,100 artist submissions and more than 7,000 votes from mmbers of the public in the People’s Choice Award - the prize’s most engaged year to date. Head Judge Theo Paphitis was joined by Robin Danely, Rob Lowe (aka Supermundane), Tom Mead, Miranda Forrester, Shannon Bono, Tom Croft and Sarah Monk - all of whom brought with them a diverse breadth and depth of experience to the esteemed judging panel.

Michael Want, COO at London Graphic Centre, commented: “This year’s Art Prize has been a fantastic reminder of just how much talent there is in the creative community. The quality and variety of the entries was outstanding, and it made the judging process both inspiring and challenging in equal measure. Congratulations to our winners, whose work captured the imagination of the judges and the public alike. We’re especially proud that the prize is free to enter, as it ensures every artist has the same opportunity to showcase their work. For us, it’s about recognising creativity on merit and giving emerging talent a platform to be seen.”

On supporting creatives, TV Dragon and Owner of LGC, Theo Paphitis, said: "I don’t think just one painting stood out the most this year, they all did, they were brilliant! I am extremely proud to be able to recognise the talent that makes these evenings all possible. The support that competitions like this, as well as the encouragement that it gives young and emerging artists cannot ever be underestimated - they are the future of art. Well done to everybody involved!”

The LGC Art Prize, People’s Choice Award and The One to Watch Award were the three coveted prizes up for grabs - a combined cash and prize value of £12,000. 

Eleven artworks were shortlisted for the LGC Art Prize final, and in what proved to be a challenging judging process amidst such high-quality entries, the winners of the LGC Art Prize were: 

Ed Brooke-Lawrenson was crowned winner of the LGC Art Prize, winning £5,000 cash and almost £2,500 worth of materials from leading brands such as Winsor & Newton, Sennelier, Golden, Derwent, Liquitex and Pebeo. 

On winning the judges prize, Ed Brooke-Lawrenson said: “Winning this is incredibly unexpected and a real affirmation of support, that my work is reaching people. I’m going to keep making paintings of people I know and love, it seems to be the best way to connect to the work that I’m doing. Paint what you know” 

Ramon Omolaja Adeyemi was voted online by the public as this year’s winner of the People’s Choice Award, receiving £2,000 cash and over £1,300 worth of materials from leading brands including Winsor & Newton, Liquitex, Van Gogh, Derwent, Stabilo and Clairefontaine. 

On winning the People’s Choice Award, Ramon Omolaja Adeyemi said: ““It means a great deal to my family and to me and I really appreciate everyone who voted for me. I’m trying to work on the area where I live now, in Manchester”

Grace Moorhouse was named The One to Watch, winning £500 and almost £1,000 worth of materials from leading brands including Winsor & Newton, Liquitex, Faber-Castell, Daler-Rowney and Rosa. 

On winning the One to Watch Award, Grace Moorhouse said: “It will give me some more confidence to put some more things out there, so thank you [...] I hope that I continue to create pieces that people can have a conversation about.. and that people can connect with on some level, that feel human and real”

This year’s art prize was sponsored by Winsor & Newton, Liquitex, Golden, Derwent, Sennelier, Pébéo, Van Gogh, Stabilo, Clairefontaine, Daler Rowney, Faber-Castell and Rosa.