As our autumn exhibition season draws to a close, we’re thrilled to announce the winners of this year’s creative competitions: Focus for Survival, Sketch for Survival, and Sketch for Survival Junior.
Each year, artists and photographers from around the world use their talents to highlight endangered species and fragile habitats, helping us raise awareness and funds for frontline conservation projects.
Focus for Survival 2025
FFS Photographer of the Year – Jules Oldroyd
FFS People’s Choice Award – Alex McLean
Our photography finalists continue to amaze with powerful imagery that captures the beauty and vulnerability of the natural world. All twelve finalists’ images are featured in our 2026 fundraising calendar – on sale now.
The Focus for Survival Photographer of the Year was selected from the four images receiving the highest scores from our judging panel. Each one was deserving in its own right. Anirban Dutta’s surreal snail image came very close to snatching victory with its technical brilliance, but in the end, Jules’ touching portrait of a polar bear family – which so perfectly captures the spirit of Focus for Survival – won through.
Alex’s beautiful leopard, pictured in soft dawn light, received the most votes from the public, beating off stiff competition from Ria Waugh’s majestic elephant herd which graces the cover of our calendar – there were just two votes in it!
Sketch for Survival 2025
Sketch for Survival The Leisure Painter’s People’s Choice 2025 – Rosana Venturini Sketch for Survival 100 Artist of the Year 2025 – Linda Lunnon
Sketch for Survival The Artist Award 2025 – Joy Jewell
From intricate pencil sketches to bold brushwork, this year’s artists have created unforgettable pieces inspired by wildlife and wild spaces.
Rosana has been a loyal supporter of Sketch for Survival, and we are delighted to see her win The Leisure Painter’s People’s Choice Award this year. Leah Gardner was runner-up, just thirteen votes behind.
Sketch for Survival head judge and EAE patron Gary Hodges was tasked with choosing our SFS 100 Artist of the Year. With so many incredible artworks across a range of media, it was not an easy decision. Linda Lunnon takes the top award for her exquisite scratchboard work. Linda’s beautiful artwork has featured in our exhibitions and auctions for several years, and she has been shortlisted on previous occasions – congratulations on a well-deserved win!
The editorial team at The Artist selected Joy Jewell’s wonderful wild dog piece as the winner of The Artist Award. Joy’s work will be featured in the magazine next year.
Sketch for Survival Junior 2025
SFS Junior Artist of the Year (11 & Under) – Edrie Xie
SFS Junior Artist of the Year (12–16 Years) – Bondar Kira
SFS Junior Artist of the Year (17–18 Years) – Erin Kim SFS Junior People’s Choice Award – Christopher Simmons
Our Junior finalists have once again shown extraordinary imagination and passion for wildlife. These talented young artists remind us that creativity and conservation go hand in hand – the future of art and activism is in safe hands.
The winners in each age group were selected by SFS Junior head judge Sophie Green. All three faced strong competition in their categories. The People’s Choice Award goes to Christopher Simmons for his wonderful hippo, which received an impressive 671 votes, ahead of Rhidita Islam by just twelve.
Congratulations to all our winners, finalists, and everyone who took part this year. Your work continues to inspire action and raise vital funds for wildlife conservation through our Project Fund.
A huge thank-you also to our selection panels for generously giving their time.
You can view all the artworks and photographs in this year’s collection in our online auction or see the works in person at the Oxo Gallery until Sunday 23 November, 4pm. Details here>>
Please note: these results were announced on the evening of 19 November.
