Salopian Artist Jessie Wins National ARTiculation Final

Shrewsbury pupil Jessie D (UVI, QEH) has achieved a remarkable national success, winning the grand final of the ARTiculation Prize 2026 at the National Gallery in London.

Competing against nine other regional winners, Jessie delivered a compelling presentation on the work of Italian sculptor Giuseppe Penone. Her talk, praised for its sophistication, maturity and clarity of thought, impressed a distinguished judging panel that included National Gallery Director Gabriele Finaldi and acclaimed novelist and playwright Ali Smith.

With more than 1,700 pupils from schools across the UK selected to take part in this year’s competition, Jessie’s achievement represents an exceptional accomplishment.

Jessie said: “Being able to share something I’m passionate about was a heartwarming experience, as well as learning from everyone’s presentations and seeing their interests.

“I was surprised and happy to win, but mainly proud for pushing myself outside my comfort zone with public speaking. My teachers at Shrewsbury who practised with me since the internal School Heats encouraged me and gave me the confidence to try something new. In my art journey they have always given me lots of support and helpful advice to explore and improve my art.”

Adding to this exciting achievement, Jessie has also been offered a place to study Fine Art at the internationally renowned Slade School of Fine Art, widely regarded as one of the leading art schools in the world.

Reflecting on Jessie’s success, Shrewsbury’s Head of Art Mr Nicholas Permain said:

“Jessie’s achievement in winning ARTiculation 2026 is outstanding and a testament to her intellectual curiosity, confidence, and ability to communicate ideas about art with clarity, insight, and passion. To succeed at a national level in such a demanding competition reflects not only Jessie’s deep engagement with visual culture, but also her willingness to think independently and speak with conviction — qualities that will serve her far beyond this achievement.

“Her success highlights the strength of Art at Shrewsbury, where pupils are encouraged to think critically, articulate their ideas and develop creative confidence alongside technical skill. At Shrewsbury School, we encourage pupils to look outward to the world around them, preparing them for a society and workplace in which creativity and lateral thinking are more important than ever before.”

Jessie’s achievement sits within a long and distinguished artistic tradition at Shrewsbury. Among the School’s most celebrated artistic alumni is Welsh painter Sir Kyffin Williams, widely regarded as one of the most important figures in twentieth-century British art. Other Old Salopians have made their mark in diverse creative fields, including comic artist Charlie Adlard, internationally recognised for his work on the graphic novel series The Walking Dead.

More recently, Old Salopian painter Ruby Read has been selected for the prestigious Victoria House residency in Margate, founded by artist Tracey Emin. Reflecting on her time at Shrewsbury in an interview with My Shrewsbury, Ruby said:

“It was during my time at Shrewsbury that I first discovered oil painting, and that experience really shaped the direction of my work. The School encouraged curiosity and experimentation, which gave me the confidence to explore different ideas and develop my own artistic voice.” Ruby’s portrait series Natural Selection, first exhibited at Shrewsbury, celebrates the teachers, staff and members of the community who shape daily life at the School.

Across generations — from established artists to emerging creative voices — the Salopian artistic tradition continues to flourish.

Photos © Hydar Dewachi