Chapman Taylor’s Rekha Barry-Houston named runner-up in Blunden Public Art Prize 2025
We are proud to share that Rekha Barry-Houston, Architect at Chapman Taylor, has been named runner-up in this year’s Blunden Prize, a prestigious public art competition organised by affordable housing provider Stonewater.
Rekha will receive a £10,000 commission to create a new piece of public art for one of Stonewater’s housing schemes, contributing to the organisation’s mission of fostering strong communities and a distinctive sense of place through art.
The 2025 Blunden Prize winner was London-based artist Amy Jackson, with Alec Saunders and Rekha Barry-Houston selected as runners-up.
Rekha will receive a £10,000 commission to create a new piece of public art for one of Stonewater’s housing schemes, contributing to the organisation’s mission of fostering strong communities and a distinctive sense of place through art.
With over 50 submissions, six were shortlisted and invited to interview. The 2025 Blunden Prize winner was London-based artist Amy Jackson, with Alec Saunders and Rekha Barry-Houston selected as runners-up.
The gates form an entry into either side of the public park on the site. Gates and arches are universally recognisable forms: they frame views, mark thresholds, and can act as a symbol of celebration, think of the Arc D’Triomphe. Playful to walk through, gather under, or sit beside, they were intended to create a moment of joy when entering the public realm while using a recognisable face motif of Wellingborough’s shared heritage.