A Lincolnshire-based artist has triumphed in a major global competition, securing a prestigious award judged by a leading fashion designer and a renowned gallery director.
Celebrating the Everyday High Street
Michelle Heron has been named the winner of the Winsor & Newton x Paul Smith’s Foundation International Art Award. The prize is specifically designed to provide support for emerging artists who are at the beginning of their professional journeys. Heron was personally selected for the honour by Salma Tuqan, the curator and Director of Nottingham Contemporary.
Her winning artwork, which captures the unique charm of a beloved Nottingham shop, stood out from hundreds of entries submitted by artists from across the world. Michelle Heron’s artistic practice is dedicated to celebrating the character of everyday high street scenes and the independent shops that form the heart of local communities.
Exhibition Details and Artistic Impact
The award-winning painting was initially displayed at the Paul Smith store in Nottingham. It is now set for a London showcase, where it will be exhibited at the Paul Smith Space on Albemarle Street in Mayfair. This will form part of a special group exhibition featuring all the international winners of the award.
Reflecting on her achievement, Michelle Heron said: “My work focuses on independent shops and everyday spaces that hold a lot of meaning for local communities, so to have that celebrated by Sir Paul Smith, someone who started out in Nottingham, feels really special.”
Heron is known for her detailed and atmospheric paintings that serve as a powerful documentation of vanishing high street landmarks. Her work offers a nostalgic yet poignant commentary on the rapid changes in our urban landscapes.
Where to See the Art
For those in the capital, the award-winning piece can be viewed at two locations:
- Paul Smith Space, Albemarle Street, Mayfair from November 12 to January 10, 2026.
- The ING Discerning Eye exhibition at the Mall Galleries, where another of her paintings was selected from a huge open submission process. This display runs until November 23.
To explore more of Michelle Heron’s portfolio, you can visit her official website at www.michelleheron.co.uk or follow her on Instagram under the handle @michelleheronart.
