Young Botanical Artist competition

Meet the next generation of botanical artists.

Colourful illustration of green and yellow gingko biloba leaves and ripe nuts

Date and time

20 October 2023 – 7 April 2024

Daily, 10am to 4.30pm (last entry 4pm)

The Shirley Sherwood Gallery will open later at 12pm on the first Monday of every month for maintenance.

Location

Gallery 6, Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art, Kew Gardens

Price

Included with entry to the Gardens

Join us in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery as we showcase the next generation of botanical artists.

Created by The Shirley Sherwood Collection in collaboration with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the competition was open exclusively to entrants aged 16-25, who were asked to submit two-dimensional artworks on the theme of ‘Trees’.

There were over 1,000 entrants from 77 countries, and some of the world’s most renowned botanical artists and curators donated their time to judge the entries, choosing works that represented their subject creatively, but with scientific accuracy.

We will be showcasing a shortlist of 50 entries and a People’s Choice award will be chosen over the duration of the exhibition.

2023 Young Botanical Artist winners

Watercolour painting of a Prunus serrula branch, showing grey bark peeling off to show a vibrant reddish purple underneath


The overall winner of the 16–18 age group award is 17-year-old Marianna Zych from Poland. Her watercolour painting Prunus serrula was created as her first-ever botanical artwork following just one month of painting classes.
 

watercolour painting of a partially brown Bauhinia variegata leaf, showing two lobes and fine details of the veins and discolouration


The overall winner of the 19–25 category is Khanh Ly Nguyen from Vietnam, whose watercolour Bauhinia variegata leaf showcases the intricate detail of this stunning tree. 

We may occasionally need to close attractions for maintenance or visitor safety: check for planned closures and visitor notices before you visit. 

Close up of AI-enhanced natural image collage

Mat Collishaw: Petrichor

Where nature and illusion converge.