Former artist in Residence, Chloe Barnes, wins Sky Portrait Artist of the Year

In Chapel on Monday morning, with much anticipation, the winners of this yTuesday 9 DCongratulations to our former Artist-in-Residence, Chloe Barnes, who has been named Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2025, following a dramatic finale in which she captured acting legend Brian Cox in a bold, screen-printed portrait.

Director of Art, Annabel Owen, reflected on Chloe’s time at St Mary’s:

‘Chloe is such a talent. As Artist in Residence at St Mary’s Calne, she brought fresh creative energy to the school. Her innovative practice and dedicated engagement with students enriched our artistic community, inspiring curiosity, confidence, and a deeper appreciation of contemporary art.’

During her residency at St Mary’s from 2022–2023, Chloe embarked on a Legacy Print Project, creating a series of twelve linocuts depicting the beautiful Lime Kiln Gardens and surrounding school grounds.

To mark the school’s 150th anniversary, Chloe also led a special linocut workshop during Donaldson Week, guiding the UIV girls through the carving and printing process.

Chloe Barnes was crowned the winner of Series 12 of Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year after impressing the judges with her distinctive style, technical skill and thoughtful creative vision.

As winner of Portrait Artist of the Year, Chloe received a £10,000 commission to paint mathematician and broadcaster Professor Hannah Fry for the Royal Society – the world’s oldest continuously operating scientific academy. This marks both the first monotype to enter the Royal Society’s historic portrait collection and the Society’s first commission featuring a female sitter by a female artist.

Chloe’s portrait of Professor Fry – a monotype printed on Arches Huile paper and finished with glazing and soft pastel – will be on public display in London from 15–19 December 2025, 3-5pm GMT. Visitors may also view the work outside these times by appointment via library@royalsociety.org . Entry to the Royal Society is free, though sign-in may be required.