Park Academy student lands Royal Academy art prize for his magnificent super-sized match box and matches – Sam Auckland is one to watch!

IT has been quite a month for talented art student Sam Auckland!

At the start of June, the Uxbridge pupil’s super-sized match box and matches were selected to be included in this year’s Young Artists’ Summer Show at the Royal Academy of Arts. 

Now, the 16-year-old has learned his magnificent sculpture has been chosen for a prize by Rebecca Salter, President of the RA.

Sam’s entry was one of 17,700 submissions and he is one of 400 artists short-listed for the online exhibition which launches from July 12.

Sam, who attends Park Academy, told the Hillingdon Times: ‘The idea to upscale the matchbox and matches came about because they are everyday items that are forgotten about.

“Once I get an idea in my head to make something, I just have to do it.”

He will receive a £100 gift voucher for art materials as his prize.

Park Academy in Park View Road will also benefit and head of art Geraldine Mattis has selected an on-site workshop organised by the RA for students.

Ms Mattis said: ‘’It is phenomenal achievement by Sam and I’m so proud of him. This is a significant step in his artistic journey and he is one to watch without a doubt!”

There is also an opportunity for people in Hillingdon to support Sam through the People’s Choice Award. It allows the public to vote for their favourite artwork once the online exhibition is launched.

Principal of Park Academy, Juan Delgado, said: ‘’There is no doubt that Sam is at the very beginning of an extremely exciting journey and it is great to see such potential come to life. Sam has the unique qualities of being talented and hard working as well as being incredibly down to earth. I will miss how he would often track me down at school to show me his work and brighten up my day’’.