The Award highlights the best piece of palaeontological artwork produced in association with a publication, press release, scientific paper or the promotion of palaeontology.
The Award recognises excellent art inspired by fossils from the British Isles. The artist must have produced the work in association with a publication, or the promotion of palaeontology in the British Isles. Illustrations for books, museums and other established science outreach are eligible for the Award, and the art form can take any medium including traditional paint or ink, digital or sculpture.
The Award recognises artwork that has been produced in the last year.
The judges praised the artwork for its exceptional quality and professional execution, noting its rich detail, dynamic composition, and masterful use of colour and perspective that evokes the sensation of being underwater. They commended the strong scientific accuracy, highlighting the precise depiction of Thalassinoides trace fossils, associated fauna, and burrowing shrimps, which reflects the artist’s commitment to precision. Creativity and originality were also celebrated, with the judges impressed by the innovative underwater cutaway scene and the integration of trace fossils as a focal point. The piece was recognised for effectively fulfilling its educational purpose, enhancing understanding of Thalassinoides. Overall, the judges described the work as vibrant, immersive, and full of life, balancing complexity with clarity while captivating viewers and inspiring interest in the subject matter.
Previous Winners
Matt Humpage
Matt’s work was praised for its high resolution and attention to detail, particularly since he has been able to capture an unusual fossil and add the correct flora to the foreground. His work is scientifically accurate, while also being artistic and pleasing to the eye. Matt created the work for a research paper, but it could also be used in other palaeontology books or even as a mural to help educate others. The judges believed that he has been able to bring the scenery to life through this piece.
Bob Nicholls - The Primeval Clevedon Bay
Bob’s work strikes the balance of being a bustling scene, full of life, without feeling staged or overcrowded. There is attention to detail in every organism, even those normally overlooked in palaeoart. The judges commented positively on the composition and lighting of the piece. The inclusion of a key made the piece educational, as well as creatively accomplished. The judges liked the fact that everything in this scene could be found in a single piece of rock from this formation. It was agreed that Bob’s work helps to engage new audiences with palaeoart, by depicting fossils that one would be able to find easily while fossil hunting. Bob is an accomplished palaeoartist, with a wealth of experience producing private commissions and educational pieces.
