Winners of the Art of Buckler's Hard People's Award and kids’ competition announced

October 9, 2024

The Art of Buckler’s Hard competitions recently concluded with several outstanding entries in the children’s competition, and the People’s Award, chosen by visitors to Buckler’s Hard throughout the year.

Visitors to the village were given the opportunity to vote for their favourite artwork from the public entries added to the exhibition earlier this year, and the winning piece was chosen by visitors with an overwhelming majority.

Winning artist, Eddie Tucker, is an artist residing in Kent and originally had a career in ship engineering. He created his unusual painting using a recycled Ordnance Survey map and decided to use Beaulieu River as his base. Painted above is the Master Shipwright, Henry Adams looking at a ship in construction–highlighting the fascinating shipbuilding history of the 18th-century village.

Mary Montagu-Scott said:
“Eddie’s painting is full of life and one of my favourites in the exhibition. It says so much about the history of Buckler’s Hard.”

The children’s competition added a playful and imaginative dimension to the exhibition, with young artists offering their unique perspectives on Buckler’s Hard for a chance to win a ride in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and a family ticket to Buckler’s Hard’s sister attraction, Beaulieu. The winner of the kids’ category, Isabella, aged 10, created an enchanting drawing of the village, filled with vibrant colours and intricate details that brought the history and atmosphere of the village to life. Isabella proudly collected her prize during a special prize-giving in the village. She was even given special permission from the headteacher of her school in Essex to attend the prize-giving during school hours with her mum.
The winners of both competitions gathered to receive their prizes on a sunny autumn day, presented by Mary Montagu Scott, Director and a key figure in preserving the history of Buckler’s Hard. She praised the artistic interpretations of the village, highlighting how the competition not only celebrates art but also encourages a connection to the rich heritage and natural beauty of Buckler’s Hard.
Don’t miss your last chance to visit The Art of Buckler’s Hard to see original paintings by the winner and semi-finalists of Sky Arts’ Landscape Artist of the Year, artworks from the Montagu family collection, and entries from our public competition. The free exhibition is open until November 3rd and is must visit for October half-term.
Don’t forget to stop by the Buckler’s Hard Museum to discover the village’s history that inspired the artists, including the heyday of Buckler’s Hard when ships for Nelson’s fleet at Trafalgar were built.

Buckler’s Hard is accessible by foot, car, bike – or boat! The village is free to enter. For those arriving by vehicle, a parking charge applies, which helps maintain the heritage site. If you wish to explore the Buckler’s Hard Museum or River Cruise, a small admission charge applies.

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