In her second year covering the competition, Surya Anthony celebrates a record-breaking exhibition, a joyful awards night, and the rise of the cat as Clerkenwell’s muse.
Cedric D’Amico – Workers painting large mural on Rosebery Avenue. (Overall winning shot)
Left: Mel Mia – Concierge Kitty (Series Runner Up) Right: Marilyn Cordell – Ghost Telephone Box (12-18 Winner)
This is the second year I’ve had the honour of being part of this institution – and yes, that’s the word, because it’s become something bigger than just a photo competition. Words can’t quite describe it… but I’ll give it a go.
We had 159 entries this year and a whopping 459 photos in total. Choosing what to hang in the exhibition was easily the hardest part of the process; the quality was simply that good. For the first time, we were able to showcase more series entries too. The exhibition opened on 2nd September and will be welcoming visitors until Thursday 25th September at The Bindery.
Overall runner up shot Tommaso Zulian – Turquoise Launderette, Barbican
Of course, a few recurring favourites made their way in. Our brutalist masterpiece, the Barbican, looked as majestic as ever. The pubs, in all their aesthetic glory, showed off their character. Our beloved Smithfield Market was there too. And then there’s the unique street culture of Clerkenwell, captured in all its energy and grit. This year’s theme was Clerkenwell Captured, and the magic lies in this: no matter how many people point their lens at the same subject, no two perspectives are ever alike. That’s the real beauty.
But let’s talk stars. Last year, pigeons ruled the roost, quite literally. This year, they’ve been usurped. The crown has gone to Clerkenwell’s cats. On shopfronts, on windowsills, curled around cast iron railings – our furry friends were everywhere. Foxes, squirrels, and dogs still made their cameos, but make no mistake: 2025 was the year of the feline takeover.
And then there was awards night. It was buzzing, joyous, a true celebration of the neighbourhood’s talent. It’s the one night we all come together to hand out trophies and share stories. To see someone light up as they pose next to their photo, to watch kids point excitedly at their work on the wall, to overhear strangers chatting about how the image caught their eye. It’s magical. It’s why the months of hard work are worth it.
A new addition this year was the Highly Commended award, which gave us the chance to shine a light on even more entrants. Some familiar faces returned from last year, joined by a fresh wave of talent. But what stood out (again) most was the kids. Seeing their work celebrated in front of their own community, in a city as big as London. That’s something they’ll carry with them for a long time. And honestly, so will we.
A huge thank you to Chris Walker, the founder, Penny Dampier and Paddy Radcliffe at The Peel Institute, our key partner Leap, our sponsors Islington Giving, Hatton Garden BID, Dorrington and Central District Alliance. A special thanks to The Bindery for hosting the exhibition and the awards night.
Clerkenwell, once again, you’ve proven that creativity is in your bones. Thank you for sharing your streets, your pets, your skylines, and your memories with us. Until next year, keep your cameras ready.
Full list of winners and highly commended entries:
Under 12s
Winner: Angelina Mpinou
Runner up: Josiah Wong
12-18
Winner: Marilyn Cordell
Runner up: Marilyn Cordell
Highly commended: Rainy Kinsella
19-34
Winner: Nicole Valente
Runner up: Yaren Tayyareci
Highly commended: Jessie Durk
35-64
Winner: Victor Allan
Runner up: Arthur Savile
Highly commended: Erik-Jan Van Den Burg
Over 65s
Winner: Paul Shelley
Runner up: Cedric D’Amico
Highly commended: Cedric D’Amico
Series
Winner: Lisa Price
Runner up: Mel Mia
Highly commended: Caio Matheus
Highly commended: Nitin Shikotra
Peel Spotlight Prize
Winner: Josiah Wong
Runner up: Rainy Kinsella
Overall Winners
Winner: Cedric D’Amico
Runner up: Tommaso Zulian
