Sheffield's Millennium Gallery Welcomes Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize 25

Ever feel like all the big events happen down in London? Well, for anyone into art and photography, there's some seriously good news. The super prestigious Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize is packing its bags and heading north, straight from the National Portrait Gallery. And the best part? It's making its only stop outside the capital right here in Sheffield. From Saturday, 21 February 2026, the city’s Millennium Gallery will be home to this incredible exhibition, showcasing some of the most powerful portrait photography from around the globe. This is a rare chance to see a world-class art prize on your doorstep, and it’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

So what's the big deal about this prize?

Think of the Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize as one of the biggest events in the photography calendar. It’s an international competition that pulls in thousands of entries every year, celebrating the very best in contemporary portraiture. It’s not just for famous photographers with fancy studios, either. The exhibition features work from everyone, from established professionals to gifted amateurs and talented photographers just starting their careers. This mix is what makes it so exciting; you get a real snapshot of what's happening in photography right now. The whole point of the prize is to explore how we see each other and ourselves, and this year’s selection of over 50 works does exactly that. The exhibition, coming directly from the National Portrait Gallery in London, is a powerful look at people, places, and the lives they live. It’s more than just pretty pictures; it’s about storytelling through a lens.

A peek at the prize-winning pictures

Every year, the judges have the tough job of picking a winner, and the chosen images are always something special. The top prize for 2025 has been awarded to Martina Holmberg for a stunning portrait called Mel. The photograph shows a burn survivor named Mel gazing thoughtfully out of a window. It has this incredible, almost fairytale-like quality, making you think of a princess lost in a daydream. It’s a picture that really captures the imagination, making you wonder what she’s thinking about and what her story might be. It’s a perfect example of how a portrait can be both beautiful and incredibly powerful, telling a story without a single word.

The exhibition also features amazing work from the runners-up. A striking black and white portrait by Luan Davide Gray, called We Dare to Hug, shows two men in their 60s sharing a tender embrace. It's a quiet, gentle picture that speaks volumes about trust, love, and the time shared between two people. It's part of a series that explores the idea that love is love, no matter who it's between. Then there's the work of Byron Mohammad Hamzah, whose photograph Jaidi Playing captures a completely different world. Taken while he was volunteering as an art and photography teacher in East Malaysia, it shows a gentle, peaceful moment for a child living as a stateless youth. It's a quiet portrait that shows a moment of peace in what can be a very uncertain life. Each photo in the exhibition offers a window into someone else's world, making the Photo Portrait Prize an unmissable event.

Shaking things up with the photographic commission

It’s not just about the main prize. The exhibition also includes the winner of the Taylor Wessing Photographic Commission, which was awarded to Hollie Fernando. Her portrait, titled Boss Morris, is from a series that explores the changing face of Morris dancing. You know, the traditional English folk dancing with bells and sticks? Well, it’s typically been a male-dominated world, but Hollie Fernando’s photography shines a light on a young, all-female group from Stroud called Boss Morris. The photo shows the group huddled together, dressed in folkloric outfits and makeup. It’s a picture that’s both soft and romantic but also buzzing with energy, perfectly capturing the spirit and creativity of these women who are putting their own stamp on a classic tradition. It’s a great example of how contemporary photographers are using portraiture to talk about bigger ideas like gender equality, all through the power of a single image. This unique piece adds another layer to the diverse art and design on display.

Sheffield's exclusive showing

For anyone living in or around Sheffield, this is a massive deal. The Millennium Gallery is the only place in the country you can see the Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize exhibition outside of London. It’s a huge win for the city and a fantastic opportunity to see world-class photography without the hassle and cost of a trip to the capital. The team at Sheffield Museums are thrilled to be hosting it.

Kirstie Hamilton, Director of Programmes at Sheffield Museums, said:

“It’s fantastic to work with national partners like the National Portrait Gallery to bring the very best in art and design to Sheffield. We’re delighted to be the only venue outside London to show this year’s Taylor Wessing Prize and to showcase such striking and powerful examples of world-class photography at the Millennium Gallery.”

The exhibition runs from Saturday, 21 February until Sunday, 10 May 2026. And the best news of all? There is free entry for everyone. It’s a brilliant chance to get inspired and see some of the most compelling portraits from contemporary photographers today. While the exhibition is free, there is a suggested donation of £5. This donation helps the gallery continue to bring amazing art and culture to Sheffield, so it's a great way to show your support if you can.