BA (Hons) Fine Art student Olivia Breckon has received the double honour of winning both The Barbara Hackwood Prize for Outstanding Creative Development and the Principal’s BA (Hons) Dissertation & Report Prize 2026!

The Barbara Hackwood Prize for Outstanding Creative Development award recognises the student who has shown the most progress and development during their three academic years with the School. It bears the name of Barbara Hackwood, who was a much-loved member of staff at the Northern School of Art. The Principal’s BA (Hons) Dissertation & Report Prize is awarded in recognition of those whose research and debate resulted in an innovative approach to their subject, to the research, and to the debate.

Judges noted: “In the final year of her studies, Olivia developed both her written and practical work from being highly promising to being excellent in both her dissertation and the work she produced for her degree exhibition.”

Olivia, 22, from Tees Valley, said she “felt emotional about winning the award due to the amount I’ve pushed myself throughout my degree, and seeing that my hard work has been recognised is amazing.”

Olivia is an oil painter, and her “practice explores stereotypical female domestic spaces, warping these environments and making them feel surreal and otherworldly.”

Reflecting on her time on the course, she said, “I’ve really enjoyed my time studying this course, particularly the Professional Studies modules. They have really helped me grow in confidence, along with equipping me with the knowledge of how to push and support myself as a self-employed artist.”

When asked what her advice for future students is, she said, “To anybody who is wanting to study this course in the future, I’d say to embrace all of the different opportunities and aspects that come your way. Whether that be exploring different mediums or networking and getting yourself out there, it’s all helpful in understanding yourself more, as well as your practice.”

Reflecting on her experience at the School, she said she was “able to make great friendships that I’m very grateful for.”

See more of Olivia’s work on her Instagram, @oliviaheatherart.

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