AN artist with a fascination for Darlington’s linen history has been crowned winner of the Dover Prize 2021.

Laura Wilson now hopes to work with local people and use the £10,000 bursary to explore the town’s rich textile history: alongside researching Linenopolis, the name once given to her hometown of Belfast when it was at the centre of the world’s linen industry in the 19th century.

Mrs Wilson said: “Darlington has such a rich history of producing linen – its rivers were famed for their excellence in the bleaching process; John Kendrew from the town patented the first flax spinning machine; and the Peases Mill once dominated the centre of the town.

"I’m so excited to have won and didn’t quite believe it when the call came.”

In addition to the headline prize, a further five awards were made to support artists develop their practice.

Darlington-based art collective, blimey! is one of the five, and will receive £1,500.

The Dover Prize was established in 1998 when philanthropist Peggy Nonhebel, née Dover, set up an endowment fund with County Durham Community Foundation to promote art and the education of art in and around Darlington.

The Prize is a two-year bursary of £10,000 that supports excellence and experimentation in the arts and creative industries, raising the profile of the arts and creative practice in Darlington.

Sharon Gollan, programmes manager for the Foundation, said: “Laura’s submission really stood out because she wants to uncover the rich history that links Darlington to Belfast and find that common ground.

"It’s been very tough to judge this year, with applications from across the UK and with the quality of submissions so high. We are delighted that the region has been well-represented amongst all the winners”

This year, an additional £7,500 was raised to support five artists with a prize of £1,500. Funding was provided by County Durham Community Foundation and Creative Darlington - a partnership of organisations and stakeholders who share a passion to strengthen and sustain a vibrant cultural offer for Darlington.

Mrs Wilson has exhibited across the UK and internationally including 5th Istanbul Design Biennial, Victoria and Albert Museum and The British Museum.

Stephen Wiper, manager of Creative Darlington, said: “These prizes are about offering opportunities to artists to create, explore and share their work for the first time within the Borough. It was so encouraging to see such an appetite – 250 applications – and we were delighted to work with County Durham Community Foundation in extending the budget so we could make five smaller awards.

“The intention of the prize, in terms of giving artists space to experiment, is fantastic regardless of circumstances: but to offer this during a pandemic, when artists have been struggling to exhibit and market work, is something we’re proud to support.”