Ryan Chamberlain has secured his position as the UK’s finest young painter after scooping the prestigious Johnstone’s Young Painter of the Year 2014 award.
Ryan, who was representing New College Durham, was up against seven other talented young painters during the two-day final at the National Painting and Decorating Show at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena. His nerveless ability to meet the demanding technical specification set out by experts from Johnstone’s Trade saw him claim the coveted title, as well as a prize haul worth more than £2,000.
18-year-old Ryan, who now works as an apprentice at Beamish Museum in County Durham said: “I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the competition - working closely with the Johnstone’s technical team, learning new skills, meeting new people and working under the pressure of being constantly watched by the thousands of visitors to the show.
“It’s given me a big confidence boost and I know that when it comes to taking the first steps in my career after college, owning the Johnstone’s Young Painter of the Year 2014 title is going to make a massive difference to my CV. I’d definitely encourage anyone studying painting and decorating at college to enter - it could be you next year!”
Thousands of students working towards NVQ level 2 or an Intermediate Construction Award in Painting and Decorating have taken part in the competition since its launch in 2005. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, it has now firmly cemented its position as the premier competition for young decorators looking to showcase their talent and take their first steps in the industry, with hundreds of young decorators taking part this year alone.
Ryan, who won one of the eight regional heats held over the summer, showed impressive skill, composure and attention to detail to impress the judges and claim top spot.
Working from a tailored and challenging workstation, consisting of a wall panel with a door and framework, Ryan expertly met the detailed brief and showed impressive versatility in applying different types of paint and using stencils.
Not only was the final considerably more challenging than the regional heats, with the judges specifically looking for precise, accurate painting and flawless cutting in ability, Ryan was able to perform under the additional pressure of being watched by thousands of professional decorators in attendance at the show.
Pete McParland, a member of the Johnstone’s technical team, said: “The aim of the competition has always been to upskill and instill professionalism in young people entering the industry. The standard shown by this year’s competitors is proof that the industry is in safe hands and we couldn’t be prouder in giving them a chance to shine in front of professional painters.”
The work carried out by our eight finalists in this year’s Johnstone’s Young Painter of the Year competition has been first rate. Competing in the final certainly isn’t easy – the tasks are complex, the time constraints are tight and contestants have to work in full view of professional painters, but they take it all in their stride. Each and every young painter who makes it to the final should be proud of what they have achieved.”
As well as scooping the prestigious title, Ryan was also presented with an impressive prize haul worth £2,000 which included a laptop, iPod Touch with Sony speakers and decorating sundries kindly donated by Mirka, Purdy, Hamilton, RoDo, Toupret, Brushmate, Hildering, Graham and Brown, Artline Décor, Artex/Gyprox, Ciret, Fat Hog, 3m/Scotch Blue, Graco and Youngman.
Do you think you’ve got what it takes to be Johnstone’s Young Painter of the Year? If so, head on over to the website and fill out an entry form for next year’s event:
https://www.johnstonestrade.com/projects-awards/awards/young-painter-of-the-year
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