Jemma Appleby announced as winner of the Royal Academy’s £35,000 Charles Wollaston Award

Jemma Appleby has been announced as the winner of the prestigious £35,000 Charles Wollaston Award at the Royal Academy of Arts’ Summer Exhibition 2026. Her artwork #1300615 was selected as the most distinguished work in the exhibition, which celebrates contemporary art and architecture while providing an important platform for artists.

Installation view of the Summer Exhibition 2026, at the Royal Academy of Arts, London, 16 Jun 23 August 2026. Photo: © Royal Academy of Arts, London / David Parr

The Charles Wollaston Award is one of the Royal Academy’s most significant art prizes and recognises exceptional artistic achievement. Appleby’s work was chosen by a panel of judges appointed by the Royal Academy, highlighting the quality and impact of her contribution to this year’s exhibition.

Other winners include Lisa Wright, who received the AXA Art Prize UK 2026 for figurative art, Andrew Sabin, who won the Jack Goldhill Award for Sculpture, and Harriette Lloyd, who received the British Institution Fund Award for Students. Further awards recognised artists working in areas such as drawing, oil painting and printmaking, showcasing the wide range of talent featured in the exhibition.

The Summer Exhibition 2026 is open to the public until Sunday 23 August 2026. Click here to book tickets: royalacademy.org.uk

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