Winner crowned at Hopton’s annual celebration of artistic talent

Hopton Hall Estate has announced the winner of a month-long competition which celebrates talented artists.

Throughout July, Hopton Hall opened its doors to the public to coincide with the Month of Art 2026, which invited artists to paint in its gardens.

The summer event attracted visitors from across Derbyshire, the wider East Midlands and Yorkshire seeking to spend time in Hopton Hall’s Walled Rose Garden, learn about the hall’s fascinating history and engage with the artists – whether it be watching them paint or purchase their artwork.

Some 400 professional and amateur artists took up the opportunity of complimentary access to the grounds, many of whom went on to submit entries to the Month of Art competition.

There was also ample opportunity for artists, art societies, clubs and community groups to showcase their work by booking one of 32 custom-built cabins, offered to them free of charge as mini studios where they could paint, run demos and workshops, and showcase and sell their art and art products.

The event culminated in a special exhibition of submissions, at which the winner was crowned – professional landscape painter, Roger Allen.

Decided by public vote, Roger took the first-place prize of £1,000 for his oil painting, ‘The Picnic Party, Hopton Hall’.

Second place was awarded to Marie South for ‘July Leaves’, an eco print on Somerset satin paper, and third place to Colin Halliday for his ‘Hopton Hall Gardens’ oil on canvas, which captured the flowers adorning Hopton’s famous Crinkle Crankle Wall. 

Chris Harvey, owner and custodian of Hopton Hall, said: “It was a total privilege to open our home to so many visitors.

“Hopton is a place which sparks the most wonderful creativity, and we hope those visitors who may never have considered picking up a pencil, paintbrush, embroidery needle or any other artistic tool were encouraged to do so by the time they left.

“Each piece submitted to this year’s Month of Art competition brought something unique, and everyone who took the time to visit and vote have not only helped to recognise artists’ work but continue to make the Month of Art, now in its fourth year, a truly community-led competition.

“We’re already looking forward to seeing what next year’s event will bring.

“In the meantime, I’d like to extend my warmest congratulations to our very deserving Month of Art 2026 winner, Roger and runners-up Marie and Colin.”