Winner 2003 BOC Emerging Artist Award. In the words of Sir Peter Blake RA, one of the five judges: "The BOC award is unique because it specifically supports art graduates wishing to pursue a professional career. We chose Tom because we believe his painting is exceptional now - and shows great promise for the future."

Sir Peter was joined on the judging panel by Roy Exley (art critic, curator and lecturer), Ossian Ward (editor, Art Review), Charlotte Heavey (International Art Consultants), and Steve Dempsey, group director, corporate relations, The BOC Group.

The BOC Emerging Artist Award supports promising young artists based in the UK with a grant of £20,000 to the winner, with up to five additional discretionary awards of £1,000 each to runners-up.