Chester Students Prize

Born March 1956 in Methil, Fife, Scotland, David Mach joined Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art from 1974 to 1979. He experimented with ideas and techniques claiming them as his own, continuing to develop them today. A graduate of the Royal College of Art in 1982 Mach became a Royal Academician in 1998 and has been appointed professor of Inspiration and Discovery at Dundee University.

One of the most prolific artists of his generation, Mach has extensively exhibited his work worldwide developing his artistic style based on flowing assemblages of mass–produced objects from magazines & newspapers, car tyres, matches to coat hangers, soft toys, pins, nails, etc.

Selected major public installations include Temple at Tyre in Edinburgh, Here to Stay made with 145 tonnes of the Daily Record and Polaris, a submarine made out of tyres outside the Hayward Gallery on London’s South Bank.

Public commissions sculptures include the sumo wrestlers It Takes Two in Paris and Marseilles, Out of Order in Kingston upon Thames made out of telephone boxes, Train in Darlington, the Big Heids of Scotland’s M8, the UK’s Portrait of a Nation commissioned for the Millennium Dome, Precious Light at the CAC in Edinburgh, Incoming in London and No Place Like Home in St Austell.

Mach continues on a furious schedule constantly developing new ideas, new works and new materials. This latest work, The Oligarch’s Nightmare will set him off on a whole new branch of his art, combined with his music and writing we can expect to see exciting new works.

Photo Credit: Paul Murphy

Howard Bilton, a British-born entrepreneur and barrister, has made a multifaceted impact on tax advisory services, philanthropy, and the wine industry in Portugal and beyond. His ventures reflect a unique blend of business acumen and social responsibility, creating a lasting legacy in each sector he touches. 

Tax

As the chairman and founder of The Sovereign Group, Bilton has significantly influenced the tax landscape, particularly for expatriates and international businesses. The Group provides comprehensive tax planning and wealth management services, which help clients navigate complex tax systems. By doing so, it supports individuals and companies to optimize their tax positions within the legal framework, fostering an environment that is conducive to foreign investment and economic growth in Portugal. 

Charity

In the realm of charity, Bilton’s establishment of The Sovereign Art Foundation has made a notable impact on the local and international art scenes. The foundation not only recognizes and supports artists through awards and exhibitions but also raises substantial funds for charitable causes. A significant portion of its work is dedicated to using art as a medium for educational and healing purposes, particularly for disadvantaged children. Through these initiatives, Bilton has harnessed the power of art to make a tangible difference in the lives of many, providing both cultural enrichment and social support. 

 Wine

With Howard’s Folly, Bilton has ventured into the wine industry, intertwining the worlds of oenology and art. The winery is known for producing high-quality wines that reflect the rich terroir of Portugal, contributing to the country’s reputation as a producer of fine wines. Beyond the production, Howard’s Folly serves as a cultural destination, hosting art exhibitions and events that attract visitors from around the world. This unique concept not only promotes Portuguese wine but also elevates the cultural experience of wine tasting, setting a precedent for how wineries can engage with the arts. 

Overall Impact

Howard Bilton’s impact in the fields of tax, charity, and wine is characterized by a forward-thinking approach that leverages professional expertise to foster cultural and social development. By integrating his business endeavors with philanthropic goals, Bilton has shown that commercial success can go hand-in-hand with making a positive social contribution. His efforts have provided a model for sustainable development, showcasing how individual dedication to professional excellence and social responsibility can lead to broad and beneficial societal impacts. 

Jim Wheat is an authentic engaging, passionate self taught Artist, strategic brand development specialist and contemporary creative who harnesses internal and external influences and emotive responses to help create and drive vibrant, authentic and engaging Artworks, messages, brands, causes and communities both in the physical realmand the metaverse dispensing energy along the way.

Thriving on connecting the dots and forming WIN : WIN partnerships, turning ‘ME’ into ‘WE’ with an often unfiltered contagious childlike energy during these disruptive times.