Geoff Butterworth’s ‘Running on Time’ wins the Matt Bruce Memorial Prize

Geoff Butterworth’s ‘Running on Time’ wins the Matt Bruce Memorial Prize at the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours Open Exhibition 2017

Geoff Butterworth’s ‘Running on Time’ has won the Matt Bruce Memorial Prize at the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours Open Exhibition 2017 at the Mall Gallery, London.

The Matt Bruce Royal Institute Memorial Award is for what is considered the most outstanding use of light and colour in a watercolour.

Geoff said: “I had the honour of receiving the ‘Matt Bruce award for Outstanding use of Light and Colour in a Watercolour’.

“This competitive exhibition had over a thousand entries so it feels great to have been the major prize-winner in such a prestigious show.

“The certificate came with a cheque for £500.00. I was introduced by the President of the Royal Institute of painters in Watercolour, Rosa Sepple, and presented with the award by Printmaker Norman Ackroyd CBE RA.

“I have been in the Mall Gallery a few times in the past and once won a major prize with a cheque of a thousand pounds.

“Somehow this seems to re affirm my status in the art world and several members including the President have encouraged me to submit for membership. Not an easy task as it takes about two years and the judging panel have to have a majority agreement on six submitted works, but I am going to try.

“Just after entering this exhibition I thought I would try another following Exhibition by the New English Art Club, to be staged at the Mall Gallery in June. I have just learnt this morning that I have been accepted for this show too.”

Geoff’s Watercolour Painting ‘Running on time’ of Walsden was painted in February last year.

The Matt Bruce Memorial Prize was set up in 2002 by Gordon Bruce after his father who was a prominent member of the Royal Institute for many years and was famed for the colour and light in his works.