The Society of Architectural Historians Great Britain (SAHGB) is accepting submissions for two of its internationally-renowned essay prizes. These awards are the most prestigious in the country for the discipline of architectural history. They are open to all historians of the built environment, and you do not need to be a member to participate. Nominations are normally accepted from members, but unsolicited nominations will be considered on merit.
We particularly encourage submissions from:
- Masters and doctoral students in relevant disciplines
- Heritage professionals
- Practising architects, in particular those working with historic environments
- Full-time academics at all career stages in relevant disciplines
The society welcomes submissions of work relating to the history of the built environment from all disciplines, including but by no means limited to:
- History
- Geography
- Architecture
- Art History
On as diverse a range of themes as possible, including:
- Histories of design
- Histories of planning
- Histories of construction
- Histories of buildings in use
- Histories of interiors and interior design
- Histories of practice and professionalism
We are looking for work that it is innovative, ambitious and rigorous in the history of the built environment. Previous winners of our awards and prizes have gone on to have esteemed careers in architectural history and heritage.
Please consider submitting work and encourage students, colleagues and friends to do so too. Further information and methods of submission can be found on our website.
James Morris Essay Prize for Colonial and Post-Colonial Architecture
Submission Deadline – 31st May
For who?
Graduate Students, Early Career Researchers, Academics, Heritage Professionals, Architects
For what?
Unpublished research up to 10,000 words
Prize £400, consideration for publication in Architectural History
The James Morris Essay Prize is named after James Morris (1878-1964), a British-born and -educated architect who worked in South Africa from 1902, including a period spent in the office of Sir Herbert Baker. It was generously endowed by his grandson, Dr Simon Morris. It is awarded to the best essay received on British Colonial and Post-Colonial Architecture. The prize is presented at the Society’s annual lecture.
Hawksmoor Essay Medal
Submission Deadline – 31st May
For who?
Graduate Students, Early Career Researchers, Heritage Professionals
For what?
Unpublished research up to 10,000 words
Prize £400, Medal, and consideration for publication in Architectural History
To encourage new architectural historians, the Society’s Essay Medal (popularly known as ‘the Hawksmoor’) is awarded annually to the author of the best essay submitted in competition. Early career and unpublished researchers are particularly encouraged to submit new work for the competition. As a permanent reminder of the winner’s achievement, a bronze medal featuring a relief portrait of Nicholas Hawksmoor based on the bust of the architect by John Cheere is awarded and inscribed with the winner’s name and date. This is presented at the Society’s Annual Lecture.