Sandwich Guildhall Museum’s Annual Art Competition and Exhibition
Your artwork, inspired by our collection
The theme for 2025 is our stained-glass window! We will be accepting entries from Monday 2nd May to Sunday 3rd August. Please read the details below for the submission guidelines.
How does the competition work?
- Entries must be inspired by the museum’s stained-glass window, either by its aesthetic or its history. Read the information below to learn more about the stained-glass window.
- All submissions should be able to be hung on the wall, therefore your work will need to have one or more hooks, depending on its weight.
- In order for us to display as many pieces as possible, the finished piece, including the frame (if you choose to frame your work), should be no more than A3 in size (297mm by 420mm) or the longest side should be 297mm.
- · To submit your work, you should email the Museum Manager (museum@sandwichtowncouncil.gov.uk) including your name, the title of your work and any social media or contact details should you like to promote yourself. If you are under 18, please inform us as we will require permission from your parent or guardian to share your name alongside your artwork.
- We will contact you if we are going to display your work. You will be notified between Wednesday 6th August and Sunday 10th August if you have been successful.
- Your work must be delivered to the museum no sooner than Wednesday 13th August and no later than Sunday 17th August.
- Your work should be ready to be hung on the wall with hooks and should be labelled with the details mentioned above.
- The exhibition will run from Wednesday 3rd September until Sunday 28th September. The evening reception for the exhibition will take place on Wednesday 3rd September.
- Once the exhibition has ended your work should be collected between Wednesday 1st October to Sunday 5th October.
- For artwork deliveries and collections please advise the Museum Manager of a suitable time within the timeframes detailed above.
- Sandwich Guildhall Museum reserves the right to share your work via its website, social media channels, print marketing and in any other formats as it sees fit. By submitting your work you are agreeing to the museum sharing your full name to ensure you are credited for your work.
The History of the Stained-Glass Window
The previous town hall looked quite different to the current Guildhall. The courtroom, where the stained-glass window can be viewed, was built in 1579. In 1906, in memory of a Town Clerk that had passed away, the window was added to the building. The façade of the building was altered over time until the most recent change; adding the additional section to make it L-shaped in 1973.
The stained-glass window depicts the visit from Queen Elizabeth I in 1573. The large stone gate seen behind the crowds is Sandown Gate, one of the previous gates into the town, which no longer exists. It is said the queen was visiting on her way to Canterbury for her 40th birthday. She entered the town through Sandown Gate and left via Canterbury Gate, which was on the other side of the town in the direction of Richborough. The scene shows the queen being greeted by the Mayor of Sandwich. He is knelt on the floor, offering a made to the queen, a demonstration of surrendering his power to her. Although gold in colour, the town’s maces are actually gilt silver. They can be viewed in the museum today. The smallest one is said to be the one that was held by Queen Elizabeth I. Ever since 1457, when the French raided the town and killed Mayor John Drury, the Mayor of Sandwich has worn black robes. However, the mayor is depicted in the window wearing red robes, because it is believed the queen did not want to meet a mayor wearing black.
For more inspiration, there is a photograph of the window above, although it’s best to see it in person!
- Got a question? Get in touch!