ING Discerning Eye 2025

It's been a real pleasure to exhibit at the ING Discerning Eye exhibition at Mall Galleries in central London. From 14-23 November, my work was hanging alongside over 730 artworks in one of the UK's most prestigious art shows – a fabulous opportunity I was delighted to be part of.

More Than Just Craft

One of the most exciting aspects of this opportunity was that ING Discerning Eye isn't just a craft show about glass – it's a serious art exhibition that celebrates the full spectrum of contemporary British art. With everything from painting and sculpture to photography, textiles, and mixed media, the exhibition showcases the incredible diversity of creativity across the UK. Being part of this felt like a real validation that my work belongs in the art world, not just confined to the craft category.

The Selection Process

What makes this exhibition truly unique is how it's curated. Six prominent figures from different corners of the art world – two artists, two collectors, and two critics – each independently selected works from a staggering 6,500 entries. This year's panel included artist Curtis Holder, sculptor Polly Morgan, photographer Richard Ansett, broadcaster Rosie Millard OBE, Dr Chris Stephens (Director of the Holburne Museum), and collector Nicholas Scott.

The result? Six completely different mini-exhibitions within one larger show, each reflecting the distinct taste and vision of its selector. Walking through the galleries, you can really sense these different personalities and perspectives coming through.

Chosen to Make People Smile

I was thrilled to have 'Cherry on Top' selected by Nicholas Scott, a leading Pop Art collector. Nicholas curated his section with a wonderful philosophy in mind – he chose work specifically to make people smile. In his own words during the selection process, he followed his gut instinct, picking pieces that made him feel something immediate and joyful.

There's something really special about knowing your work was chosen for its ability to bring happiness to people. In a world that can feel quite heavy sometimes, creating art that lifts spirits feels more important than ever.

Cherry on Top at ING Discerning Eye

A Show That Sells

Another brilliant aspect of ING Discerning Eye is that it's not just about exhibiting – it's about making art accessible and helping artists actually sell their work. All pieces must be under 50cm in any dimension, keeping them at a domestic scale that people can realistically purchase and display in their homes. The price points are designed to be accessible, making it a fantastic entry point for new collectors.

Over its 27-year history with ING's support, the exhibition has sold over £1.4 million worth of art and supported around 4,000 artists. That's not just impressive numbers – it's real opportunities and real encouragement for artists at all stages of their careers.

The Mall Galleries Experience

Exhibiting at Mall Galleries in the heart of London was absolutely fabulous. The historic venue, just off Trafalgar Square, gives the whole exhibition a sense of occasion and importance. Throughout the show's run, there were daily artist demonstrations, prize announcements (with £15,000 awarded this year!), and a constant stream of engaged visitors – from seasoned collectors to people buying their first piece of art.

The atmosphere was one of genuine excitement and discovery, with people taking their time to explore all six selectors' walls, finding unexpected gems and discussing which pieces resonated with them.

A Platform for All

What I love most about this exhibition is its democratic spirit. Lesser-known artists hang alongside internationally recognised names, all judged purely on the merit of our work. As selector Rosie Millard put it, this show proves that the art world doesn't have to be a closed shop where you need to know the right people or live in London.

The exhibition continues online until 1 January 2026, so even more people can discover and purchase the work. It's a model that really works – supporting artists, engaging audiences, and making contemporary art accessible.

Being part of ING Discerning Eye 2025 has been an absolute honour and a career highlight. Here's to art that makes people smile!

Cherry on Top - handblown glass and ceramic