THE BERGER PRIZE
The Leading Book Prize for Art History
The winner of the 2025 Berger Prize has now been announced.
Submissions for next year's prize open on the 1st January 2026.
ABOUT THE
BERGER PRIZE
The Berger Prize is the leading book prize for art history. The annual prize of £5,000, with five shortlisted winners of £500, celebrates brilliant writing and scholarship about the arts and architecture of the United Kingdom. Awarded since 2002, the prize is offered by The Walpole Society through the generosity and inspiration of the Berger Collection Educational Trust.
HOW TO ENTER
Nominations for the 2026 prize open on the 1st January. Books are entered for the prize by nomination. For all enquiries and to nominate a book, email admin@walpolesociety.org.uk .
ELIGIBILITY
A book is eligible where it meets these criteria:
-
It is on the subject of British art history, conceived broadly to include fine arts, decorative arts, architecture, collecting and patronage, in Britain or by a British artist.
-
It was published in hard copy by any publisher during the preceding calendar year (1 January to 31 December).
SELECTION
-
Eligible books are judged by a panel of six assessors which includes two Trustees of the Walpole Society. Biographies of the jury are published here.
-
A Long List of approximately 15 titles is established by assessment of all nominated works.
-
A Short List of 6 works is chosen from the Long List.
-
An overall winner is chosen from the Short List.
-
At the Prizegiving, the overall winner receives £5000 and the five other shortlisted books receive £500 each.
GOVERNANCE
For rules and governance of the Berger Prize, see our policy below, and for further information please email admin@walpolesociety.org.uk​
​
BERGER PRIZE
POLICY
