A local artist has drawn in the crowds after bagging himself a £6,000 prize for his depiction of the streets of Bath. 

Christopher Dunn, who graduated from the Swindon College School of Art in 2008 with a first class degree in general illustration, scooped the prestigious local prize last week among strong local competition.

More than 390 paintings, all inspired by the city of Bath, were submitted for the third annual Bath Prize competition, with 270 artists submitting entries.

The unique collection of original Bath Prize paintings were exhibited at the Octagon Chapel in Bath for a week, then sold at auction on Thursday 27 October at The Guildhall.

Christopher was given a location in the city to paint in any way he saw fit. He painted George Street in his preferred method of water colours.

When Christopher visited the exhibition, he was worried that his painting had not been submitted because he could not see it hanging on the walls. He was shocked when he was revealed as the winner.

“When I went to the exhibition with my girlfriend, the paintings were hung up around the walls.

“Then there with three in the middle which were covered,” he said.

“We walked around the paintings, but couldn’t see mine and I started to get worried that it hadn’t been submitted.

“We went to look at the ones in the middle and the size of one looked the same as mine.

“Then I noticed the frame as well and it was only then that it started to dawn on me.

“I couldn’t believe it when mine was announced as the overall winner. I was left speechless.”

Christopher hopes to develop his website with the money to get his work out to more people.

He said: “Some I want to save, but I am looking to set up a website with the rest, because at the moment I just have a blog. I will also put it towards more paints and frames.”

Swindon College offers several BA (Hons) degrees and MAs, including Illustration, Fine Art, Graphic Design and Archaeological Illustration. For more information on our current Art and Design courses browse our Prospectuses. For any further information contact us via our online contact form or on Freephone 0800 731 2250.