The largest national competition, now in its 30th year, is said to be the most significant prize for contemporary watercolour painting in the UK.

Entries include abstract, figurative, contemporary and traditional artwork and the contest is designed to celebrate and redefine the beauty and diversity of watercolour projects.

Guildford Borough Council’s lead member for social welfare, heritage and the arts, Nikki Nelson-Smith, said: “Hosting the exhibition is a great honour for the borough and Guildford House Gallery.

“With free admission to enjoy the wonderful art on display, we couldn’t think of a more perfect way to blend modern and traditional works within a deeply historical 17th-century setting.”

Annie Williams’ Still Life with a Small Spanish Bowl.

Eighty-seven works were selected for the exhibition by a panel of leading figures from the art world, from over a 1,000 submissions.

The display includes 73 of the award winning pieces: The Boboli Gardens by Elizabeth McCarten (Jackson’s Young Artist Award), Still Life with a Small Spanish Bowl by Annie Williams (St Cuthbert’s Mill Prize for outstanding work on paper), and overall winner Richard Fowler, awarded first prize for his piece Portishead – a vibrant painting which is part of a wider series of work exploring the effects of natural forces on man-made structures.

Cllr Nelson-Smith added: “Guildford is home to a creative and thriving arts scene, from varied local theatre performances, to exciting public art and the cultural opportunities of our proud heritage. We must continue to celebrate and showcase all types of art, and nurture the talent the borough has to offer, now and in the future.”

For more information, please visit: https://www.guildford.gov.uk/guildfordhouse or follow @Gfdheritage on Twitter.