Lauderdale House announces annual photography award winners

Sebastian Choo, who lives in Highgate, came runner up in Lauderdale House’s Young Photographers competition for 25s and under.

His split second image of a pigeon in flight, landing on a cafe table was inspired by the theme of ‘action’.

George Blair from Muswell Hill was the overall winner of the 2025 Lauderdale House Photographic Competition. (Image: David Winskill) The overall younger winner was 25-year-old Charlotte Matheson with an evocative shot from a busy bar

George Blair from Muswell Hill scooped the overall Lauderdale House 36th Annual Photographic Competition for his beautiful Vemeer-inspired portrait of a waitress in a Trieste café in the ‘Light & Shade’ category.

He says he was drinking coffee and spotted the perfect composition and lighting from where he sat.

George’s winning photograph ‘Vermeer Came By’ was taken in a Viennese cafe in Trieste and was inspired by the Dutch painter. (Image: George Blair) He waited patiently until the waitress came into view, perfectly framed by the light and doorway to recall one of the Dutch master’s domestic interiors.

George, who will now have a solo exhibition as part of his prize, said Vermeer is one of his favourite painters.

Next to his image he wrote: “Relaxing in one of historic Trieste’s Viennese cafés, all dark wood-panelled walls, mirrors, lamps and filtering sunlight, suddenly a woman came into view – a Vermeer come to life, quietly engrossed, cleaning cutlery, a 21st century waitress or 17th century maid?

“Caught between the sun’s rays, and shadows sombre as any 17th century Dutch home, echoes through the centuries elided.”

‘Flying in for Breakfast’ came runner up in the under 25s category. (Image: Sebastian Choo) The prizes were handed out in front of an audience of 150 people by new Mayor of Camden Eddie Hanson.

Lauderdale House Director Katherine Ives says: “It was a packed evening and it was really inspiring to see such a range of subject matter, style and technique all in one place.

“We’re delighted to be celebrating local talent across the generations. The annual competition is part of our DNA!”

A total of 52 photographs by 33 entrants are now on display at the arts centre alongside a solo show titled Urban Rhythm, by last year’s winner Debbie Smyth.

Lauderdale House 36th Annual Photographic Competition winners can be seen until September 21.