Youngest artist wins John Moores Painting Prize

Ally Fallon, a 27-year-old artist from Manchester, has made history by becoming the youngest ever winner of the John Moores Painting Prize. This prestigious award, which has been given out since 1957, is one of the most important art prizes in the UK. Ally’s winning painting is titled 'If You Were Certain, What Would You Do Then? '. He graduated from Manchester School of Art and Apollo Painting School, and he described winning the prize as 'a very proud moment'. In a photo, Ally stands next to his painting, smiling and wearing a cream linen shirt and blue jeans.

The judges praised Ally’s work for its 'deceptive simplicity', calling it a 'brave risk-taking painting' with 'nuanced humour'. Ally explained that paint as a material allows him to express his experiences in a unique way. He also said that the John Moores Painting Prize is especially important for artists based in the North of England, because it is held outside of London and acts as a beacon for regional talent. Ally remembered visiting the exhibition as a student just a few years ago, and now he is proud to see his own painting displayed on the gallery walls.

The John Moores Painting Prize was named after its founding sponsor, Sir John Moores, and has helped launch the careers of many famous artists, including David Hockney, Sarah Pickstone, and Rose Wylie. As the winner, Ally receives £25,000 and will have a solo exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery. His painting is now on display along with 70 other selected works, chosen from more than 3,000 entries. The exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery runs from September 6, 2025, until March 1, 2026. The BBC encourages people in Merseyside to share story ideas and feedback through their contact form or via Whatsapp. Ally’s achievement is a significant moment for young artists and highlights the importance of regional art prizes in supporting new talent.