Date published: 08 September 2025
The shortlist for the Blunden Prize 2025 has been announced following a rigorous selection process from over 50 high-quality submissions.
Leading affordable housing provider, Stonewater, first launched the Blunden Prize in 2021, named after its former chairman, George Blunden.
It invites submissions from artists of all disciplines to design and create a new installation for one of its flagship housing developments. This year’s focal scheme is Station Island, which will provide 128 affordable homes in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire.
Stonewater installs public art on all of its new developments to create a distinctive sense of place and build strong communities.
This year, the residents of Stonewater’s Warwick House retirement living scheme in Bedfordshire helped to decide the shortlist, alongside Stonewater colleagues.
The confirmed shortlist in the Blunden Prize’s fourth year and Stonewater’s 10th anniversary year is:
- Alec Saunders - ‘Seeds of Connection’
- Amy Jackson - ‘Circular’
- Antoniya Stoitsova - ‘Strata’
- Rafael El Baz - ‘Between Four Walls’
- Rekha Barry-Houston - ‘Portal’
- Rob Turner (title to be confirmed)
The winner will be announced at the end of September, receiving a £20,000 cash prize, the Station Island commission with a £30,000 budget and two further commissions for Stonewater developments across England.
Two runners up will receive their own commission for another Stonewater site in England.
Arthur Gott, Senior Development Manager at Stonewater, said: “It was an honour to be part of the first round of judging for this year's Blunden Prize.
“We all had a fantastic day looking through the outstanding submissions that were sent in and it was a joy to see the fierce deliberations taking place between the residents of Warwick House retirement living scheme to decide the final shortlist.
“As the senior development manager for Station Island, I can’t wait to see how this year’s winning artwork comes to life to become a focal talking point of this new community.”
Henry Moore Institute has renewed its partnership with Stonewater and support for the Blunden Prize for the second consecutive year.
Henry Moore Institute is the leading centre dedicated to the study and enjoyment of sculpture, featuring a dynamic programme of exhibitions, research and events as well as an extensive sculpture research library.
Laurence Sillars, Head of Henry Moore Institute, said: “My congratulations to the shortlisted artists for this year’s Blunden Prize. Their proposals stood out for their originality, sensitivity to place and potential for lasting impact in the heart of a new community.
“I look forward to meeting the artists at the next round of judging where I’ll be on the panel once again; I’ll be especially interested to see how each idea evolves in response to community, environment, sustainability and the history of Wellingborough.
“The Blunden Prize is a significant opportunity, and I’m thrilled that Henry Moore Institute is involved for a second year.”
The shortlisted artists will face the next round of judges at the Henry Moore Foundation in Hertforshire, where the three finalists will be decided.