Renfrewshire artist shortlisted for British Art Prize 2025
Retired GP Margaret Borthwick has made the finals of the British Art Prize 2025 with her oil painting depicting a pond at the Calgary Art and Sculpture Trail in Mull.
Margaret, from Kilbarchan, was inspired to create the painting after a family visit to Mull in September 2024.
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She is now one of just 50 artists selected for the British Art Prize 2025, following a record 2900 entries from across the UK.
The shortlist was chosen by a panel including ROI president and BBC presenter Adebanji Alade, international watercolour master Alvaro Castagnet, Artists & Illustrators editor Niki Browes, National Trust curator and art historian Dr Amy Orrock, and Tiffany Hall, co-founder of Panter and Hall Gallery.
The full shortlist can be viewed at awards.artistsandillustrators.co.uk.
Margaret said: “When I heard the news that my painting had been shortlisted for the British Art Prize I was shocked and delighted.
“It is fantastic to have my work recognised at this level alongside so many talented and inspirational artists.
“It shows that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.”
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Margaret, who spent 37 years as a GP in Johnstone, returned to painting after semi-retiring around 18 years ago.
She credits local art clubs and classes for giving her the confidence, knowledge and inspiration that led her to complete an honours degree in painting at the University of Creative Arts in London.
Her degree show, Heartlands, was held at the Beacon Arts Centre in Greenock.
Margaret is now an artist member of the Paisley Art Institute and the Glasgow Society of Women Artists.
The British Art Prize celebrates creativity across painting, drawing, printmaking, photography and mixed media.
Shortlisted artists will compete for more than £10,000 in prizes, including a solo exhibition at Panter and Hall’s Cecil Court Gallery, coverage in Artists & Illustrators magazine and art materials from leading brands.
The British Art Prize exhibition will take place at Oxo Gallery in London from November 26 to 30, 2025.
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