Chloe Barnes Crowned Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2025
Artist wins £10,000 commission to paint Professor Hannah Fry for the Royal Society.
Chloe Barnes has been named Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2025, earning a £10,000 commission to paint mathematician and broadcaster Professor Hannah Fry for the Royal Society. The completed portrait will go on public display at the Royal Society in London.
Barnes impressed judges Tai Shan Schierenberg, Kathleen Soriano and Kate Bryan throughout the twelfth series, showcasing her distinctive mono-printing style. Her early portraits of broadcaster Clara Amfo and baker Mary Berry secured her place in the final, where she competed against Katie Jones and Lauren Ross in the first all-female finale in the show’s history.
For the decisive portrait of acting legend Brian Cox, Barnes applied her signature screen-printing technique on paper—a method she had not previously used in the competition. The final piece won over the judges with its precision and originality.
On her victory, Barnes said: “Winning Portrait Artist of the Year feels like this big, crazy fever dream. Through all the limitations and challenges, I feel proud of how I pushed myself and created portraits that connected with my sitters, the judges, and the audience. I am honoured that my portrait of Hannah Fry will join the collection at the Royal Society and hope it marks the beginning of many exciting things to come.”
Professor Sheila Rowan, Vice President of the Royal Society, added: “Hannah Fry is an exceptional role model who makes the wonders of maths engaging and accessible. We are delighted to commission Chloe Barnes’ portrait to celebrate women in STEM and inspire the next generation of scientists.”
The commissioned portrait of Professor Fry can be viewed by the public at the Royal Society from 15–19 December, 3–5pm daily, with free admission.
Portrait Artist of the Year is hosted by Stephen Mangan and produced by Storyvault Films. All episodes are available to stream on NOW.
Elena Leo is the Culture & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.