A special birthday present was given to Hilary Peat this year - the title of Surrey Artist of the Year 2025.

The honour was announced at the New Ashgate Gallery in Farnham on her birthday, October 17.

Hilary’s share of the 476 public votes earned her a place on the final shortlist of three artists, with the decision being made by the judges - Pippa Hufton, of Farnham Craft Town, Cllr George Murray, the mayor of Farnham, and Julie Hoyle, of Disability Arts in Surrey.

Her earthenware work impressed with its quiet beauty, craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Artists Jane Alexander and Jennifer Dalcie were named as runners-up.

Originally from Scotland and now based in Thames Ditton, Hilary studied three-dimensional design (ceramics) at Loughborough University and later completed a postgraduate certificate in art education. Her long teaching career continues to inform and enrich her creative practice.

Hilary’s hand-built earthenware forms are inspired by nature; its shifting colours, light and reflections. Using techniques such as sgraffito, wax resist and layered underglazes, she creates tessellated geometric patterns that wrap precisely around each piece. The results are tactile surfaces with subtle gradations of colour and depth, blurring the line between design and craft.

She said: “I was completely surprised - I didn’t expect to win at all. And to find out on my birthday made it even more special, it’s the best birthday present I’ve ever had! I’ve been visiting the New Ashgate Gallery for many years, so to be recognised here means a great deal.”

Farnham Craft Town judge Pippa Hufton said: “The Surrey Artist of the Year programme is such an important route for local artists to develop their work and achieve recognition. It is wonderful to see such a wide variety of art from such talented artists, with a very worthy winner.”

Disability Arts in Surrey judge Julie Hoyle added: “I’m proud to see this award celebrate inclusivity and creativity in all its forms - it feels full of life and generosity.”

The Surrey Artist of the Year 2025 exhibition ran until November 1 and featured all 18 artists on the original shortlist, who were chosen in a public vote by those who had gone to see them work during the Surrey Artists Open Studios event.

Displaying her work alongside the Surrey Artist of the Year 2025 exhibition was Rosalinda Kightley, whose solo show One Year On was part of her prize for winning last year’s Surrey Artist of the Year competition.

Her still-life paintings are full of warmth, movement and joy - transforming fruit, ceramics and flowers into expressive, colourful scenes.

Rosalinda trained in graphic design and spent two decades as a children’s book illustrator. Her paintings now blend keen observation with narrative energy.

She led a free family workshop during October Craft Month as part of the New Ashgate Gallery’s commitment to inclusive and accessible creativity.

The Surrey Artist of the Year competition was organised by the New Ashgate Gallery in partnership with Surrey Artists Open Studios and supported by the Patricia Baines Trust.