We were hoping for some sunshine this year and we got a heat wave! Although a day shorter in duration, this year’s Trophy Exhibition at Markeaton Park was bigger and better than ever. We had around 550 visitors and sold plenty of original pictures.

Our judge this year was artist and heritage historian Ruth Matthews, now the director of Ashbourne’s newly opened Hopton Hall Gallery. Well done to everyone who contributed, helped out and brought their friends and relatives along to the show.

Trophy Winner 2026 : Margaret Esler’s ‘Let It Rain’

‘Cranesbill’ by Liz Harris – Highly Commended

‘View From Gimignano’ by Tony Deeming – Highly Commended

‘Before’ by Che Tyrell – – Highly Commended

‘Becky’ by Johny Bermudez – Highly Commended

The public also voted for their favourite piece. The overall winner was ‘Meadow’ by Heather Hardy. In second place was ‘Cromer’ by Charles Chen and in third ‘Derbyshire Sheep’ by Lesley Griggs.

‘Meadow’ by Heather Hardy – Visitors Choice Award

‘Cromer’ by Charles Chen – Visitors 2nd Choice

‘Derbyshire Sheep’ by Lesley Griggs – Visitors 3rd Choice