The winner of this year’s Sky Arts’ Landscape Artist of the Year has a very close connection to Courteenhall.

Ben MacGregor, Johnny’s brother-in-law, regularly paints at a studio space on the Estate.

A self-taught artist, his prize was a commission to create a landscape in the south of France which is now being exhibited at the prestigious Courtauld Gallery in London.

Ben’s Impressionistic style of painting on display in his submission of a Wiltshire country lane secured him a place on the tenth series of Landscape Artist of the Year, hosted by Stephen Mangan, with some of the filming for the programme done at Courteenhall.

He won the very first heat at Hampton Court Palace, where his semi-abstract depiction of the grand palace and gardens secured his progression. He then tackled Portsmouth Historic Docks in the semi-final, impressing the judges with an alternative viewpoint leading him to the final.

In the final challenge, the artists were tasked with painting one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks - Stonehenge. Ben’s distinctive style of painting, use of texture, light and pattern impressed the judges and clinched the title against former archaeological illustrator Susan Isaac and Artist Kieran Guckian.

His winning commission of the South of France is now on display in the LVMH Great Room at The Courtauld Gallery London.

Barnaby Wright, Deputy Head of The Courtauld Gallery, said: “Ben created a remarkable painting that draws us into an evocative world of landscape and art that feels both natural and staged. Displayed among the great Impressionist and Post-Impressionist landscapes in The Courtauld gallery's collection, his work demonstrates the ongoing vitality of the genre. We are delighted to have partnered with Sky Arts on the Landscape Artist of the Year competition and we are looking forward to welcoming visitors to the Gallery to see Ben's winning painting.”