Barry John MBE wins British Contemporary Art Award

Veteran and artist Barry John MBE has been chosen from 11 finalists as the overall winner if the British Contemporary Art Awards 2025.

The awards are run by British Contemporary Art, a curated website featuring the best of British painters and paintings, set up by the Harbour Gallery’s Mark David Hatwood FRSA.

Barry’s work Celtic Roots was shortlisted in the final.  It has been named the winner  by public vote.

“To be nominated in the final 10 in the UK was fantastic news, but to then go on to win it via public vote is something else,” said Barry.

“I had some amazing support from the military and Pembrokeshire in the run up and it was even mentioned by minister for culture Jack Sargeant in the Senedd.

“The exposure in the Western Telegraph really helped as well.

“I topped the tables in the voting every week, so I was a little anxious I wouldn’t see it through over the last of the voting period. The other professional artists I was up against were skilled and had impressive CVs.

“I was absolutely chuffed to be given the accolade. It’s good exposure for the gallery and the arts and it’s important from a Welsh perspective.

“I am massively grateful to all the people who went out of their way to vote for the painting Celtic Roots and for an artist and veteran.”

Barry, originally from Neyland, joined the Army at the age of 16 and served for more than 23 years in Hong Kong, Korea, China, Malaysia, Jamaica, USA, Germany, Poland, Cyprus, Northern Ireland and Kosovo.

Mainly an abstract artist, the experiences he had during his service have formed most of the content of his art.

His work expresses stories, memories, demons, harsh and sometimes brutal truths, and the beauty, colours, and resilience of a conflicted world.

He fuses text and imagery with historical detail and contemporary in his pieces.

Barry is also known as the founder of the VC Gallery, which has bases in Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock.

The pioneering charity works with veterans and the wider community to combat social exclusion and improve health, wellbeing and quality of life through art.

It offers a counselling service, communal meals, art workshops, outdoor activities and other creative groups.