Winners of the Sussex Craft Awards 2026 announced

The winners of the Sussex Craft Awards 2026 have been announced, celebrating three exceptional makers whose work represents the “very best of contemporary and heritage craft across Sussex.”

They were announced at a private reception at Newlands House Gallery, Petworth.

The Sussex Craft Awards are organised by ROSA, the Arts + Culture Magazine for Sussex, in partnership with West Dean, supported by Wealden District Council and Newlands House Gallery.

They were launched in 2025 to “recognise the county’s thriving community of makers and champion outstanding creativity, innovation and technical excellence.”

Jessica Wood, publisher ROSA Magazine and co-director of Sussex Craft Week, explained: “The awards celebrate makers working across a wide range of disciplines, from ceramics, textiles and wood to metalwork, basketry, glass, jewellery and mixed media. Nominations are sent in from the wider public and 12 finalists selected for an exhibition at Newlands House Gallery as part of Sussex Craft Week. Three overall winners were revealed at an event held at Newlands House Gallery with speeches by Nicola Jones, director, Newlands House Gallery, Melanie Powell, senior economic development & culture officer, Wealden District Council, curator Loucia Manopolou and Alex Leith, editor ROSA Magazine. Sussex sparkling wine from Artelium Wine Estate and canapés by The Hungry Guest were enjoyed by 60 guests.”

The winners were:

Caron Penney: Sussex Craft Awards 2026 winner. Master weaver and co-founder of Atelier Weftfaced, Caron Penney produces intricate handwoven works exploring structure and pattern.

Ellen Rose Svenningsen: The ROSA Prize. A furniture maker working with unseasoned local wood, with form moving between everyday use and sculptural presence.

Studio AMOS. Winner The Heritage Craft Prize. Basketry and weaving studio working with natural and home-grown materials to create sculptural woven forms.

The winners were selected by a panel comprising: Loucia Manopoulou, curator, Newlands House Gallery; Sarah Hughes, art + contemporary craft programme coordinator, West Dean;

Tabatha Andrews, art + contemporary craft tutor, West Dean; Rowena Easton, art director, ROSA Magazine; Corina Fletcher, co-founder, The Makers Directory; James Stewart, director, Zimmer Stewart Gallery; and James Matthew Thomas, director, Hastings Craft Weekend.

Jessica added: “Sussex is one of Britain’s leading centres for contemporary craft. The finalists demonstrated an extraordinary standard of making, and the winners exemplify the creativity, dedication and craftsmanship that these awards were established to recognise.

“The Sussex Craft Awards form part of Sussex Craft Week’s mission to champion makers, connect audiences with contemporary craft and raise the profile of Sussex as a national centre for excellence in craft.”

The finalists exhibition is open to the public Newlands House Gallery, Pound Street, Petworth, until July 20 with free entrance.

● Sussex Craft Awards 2026 Winner receives a solo exhibition at Newlands House Gallery

● The ROSA Prize receives a cover artist slot and in-depth feature in ROSA Magazine

● The Heritage Craft Prize receives exhibition opportunities

The finalists were Anna Chocola, Barbara Gittings, Cara Wassenberg, Caron Penney, David Rhys Jones, Ellen Rose Svenningsen, Holly Dawes, Jenifer Corker, Jubal Prevatte, Jubal Prevatte, Stephanie Smart, Studio Amos.

Loucia Manopolou, curator Newlands House Gallery, said: “Such a privilege to curate and contribute to the Sussex Craft Week Award Exhibition at Newlands House Gallery once again. It is a true celebration of the exceptional talent, skill and craftsmanship that define Sussex’s vibrant creative community. The calibre of work on display never fails to amaze me. A huge congratulations to everyone involved, and especially to the award winners. Thanks to Sussex Craft Week and ROSA for this wonderful initiative which champions the remarkable artists and makers based across Sussex. The awards evening was truly one to remember!”

The second edition of Sussex Craft Week took place from June 20-28, with 70+ events in venues throughout Sussex, showcasing the work of 400+ makers.