The John Moores Painting Prize 25: Modern Art at The Walker

Friday, 1 - 3pm

Start Date

3 October, 2025

There will be 6 weekly meetings on Friday, 1 - 3pm, starting from 3 October. 

Overview

"an exhibition of painting embracing... the best and most vital work being done today throughout the country" – Sir John Moores

The biennial JMPP has played an important role in the cultural calendar of Liverpool since it was first staged in 1957, attracting not only local but international visitors, by bringing together the best in contemporary British painting that is being created now! It continues to attract a wide international audience with works by both established and undiscovered artists that can often be challenging and always thought-provoking.

In this course, we will discuss the competition in depth along with the work of previous prize-winners in the context of the Walker’s modern art collection. Students will acquire the skills of visual analysis and an understanding of the curatorial aims and objectives of the JMPP. Together, we will visit the gallery and critically assess this year’s exhibition and debate the judges’ decisions. Which painting would be your choice?

Syllabus

Week 1:

  • Introduction to the Walker’s modern collection and the JMPP
  • …including changes to the prize, particularly in recent years by including a wider representation of British culture on the judges’ panels. Also the parallel competition JM China.

Week 2:

  • Urban Visions – Mrs Mounter to Mandy Payne
  • Looking at city life and the urban experience as represented in the gallery’s collection and previous JMPP exhibitions

Week 3:

  • The Figure
  • Including David Hockney, Peter Blake, Ewan Uglow, Nahem Shoa

Week 4:

  • Abstract Art
  • What do we mean by ‘abstract’? Range of works from the collection and previous winners – influence of modernist critic Clement Greenberg (panellist in 1965)

Week 5:

  • PAINT!
  • Looking at different approaches to materials and processes in the Collection and previous prizewinners

Week 6:

  • Walker Art Gallery – workshop to take place inside this year’s exhibition

Please note that the ‘last date available to book’ date is only a guide. We reserve the right to close bookings earlier.

In order to avoid disappointment, please be sure enrol as soon as possible. Registrations will not be processed until the following day if received after 3pm. 

Course Lecturer: Julie Robson

Since completing her Masters Degree in Contemporary art at the University of Liverpool, Julie Robson has been contributing to short courses for both the University of Liverpool's Continuing Education Department, and its International Summer School.  Julie has also carried out freelance work as a writer, lecturer and gallery educator at many galleries and museums in Merseyside and North Wales.

Courses fees: Full fee £95/Concession £50.

Back to: Continuing Education