The Marsh Palaeoart Award
We are delighted to announce the launch of the annual Palaeontographical Society Marsh Palaeoart Award. This award recognises talent in the depiction of fossil faunas, in keeping with the foundational aims of the Society. The new award is supported by the Marsh Charitable Trust.
Submissions
- The award will be given annually for artwork depicting fossil fauna (or science based on fossil fauna) from Britain and Ireland (UK and Eire).
- The artwork must have been created in association with one or more of the following: a publication; press release; figure within a paper; illustration for books; exhibition or other relevant event; the promotion of palaeontology in the British Isles, including museum display, leaflets, websites or other established outreach venue.
- Artists can submit up to three works in any medium, including traditional paint, ink, digital, sculpture.
- Submissions should include the submission form (see below), and works should be in the following formats:
- 2D art = a single image, .tiff, .jpeg or .png.
- 3D art = up to two images, .tiff, .jpeg or .png.
- 3D digital models = a single file, .ply
- The overall winner will receive £500 + 1 years membership of PalSoc, and a certificate. Highly commended entries will receive 1 years membership of PalSoc, and a certificate.
- Entries will be judged by a panel of scientists and artists on a mixture of their scientific accuracy and artistic merits. This includes overall impact, strength of composition, scientific detail, style, uniqueness, fitness for intended purpose, and other qualities.
- We are particularly interested in supporting work from those who identify as early career palaeoartists (for example those that have under 10 years experience, or are not currently established professional palaeoartists).
- All submissions must be received by 23:59 on the closing date.
- Please click here to download the submission form, or contact our Secretary.
Eligibility
- Artwork must have been produced in the year prior to the closing date.
- Entries are welcome from artists based anywhere in the world, but please note that it may not be possible for winners outside of the UK to attend the AGM in person to receive their award.
- Self-submissions, or nominations with the artist’s knowledge, are welcome.
- We do not accept communal works produced by more than one artist.
For any questions about this award, please email the Secretary.
Timeline
- 20th October 2025 – Submissions open
- 21st November 2025 – Submissions close
- January 2026 – Winning artists will be informed
- April 2026 – Prizes will be given at the Palaeontographical Society Annual General Meeting (AGM)
