A Hampton schoolboy won an international art prize and bagged himself £1,000 and his school a further £5,000.
Simon Hamlyn, a sixth-form student at Hampton School, was recognised as one of the three best artists in the Saatchi Gallery and Sunday Telegraph Art Prize for Schools.
The 17-year-old’s acrylic painting, called The Meeting, featured three boys with their faces illuminated by a laptop computer and beat 13,000 other entries.
Simon’s painting, which was to portray the young engaging with 21st century technology, is being showcased at the Saatchi Gallery as part of the prestigious award.
He said: "I was amazed to hear my name being called out. It was a great experience being congratulated by everyone.
"Saatchi is such a big name in the art world and this has given me a real boost in confidence."
Head of art at Hampton School, Karen Williams said: ""Simon's painting is not only expressive; it demonstrates a really mature handling of materials and understanding of colour.
"It is wonderful to see his talent being recognised and we congratulate him."
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