The John Walsh Prize for Experimental Graphic Design.

”Celebrating creative risk-taking and experimental design"

We are raising funds to establish "The John Walsh Prize for Experimental Graphic Design”—an annual award for the “most experimental student” in the design faculty at Manchester School of Art. Honouring John's legacy as a brilliant educator, designer and friend, the prize will support students who push boundaries, challenge conventions and think differently just as John always encouraged.

Why This Matters

John Walsh was a brilliant artist, designer, academic and educator. His energy, generosity and passion left a lasting impression on everyone he taught and worked with. He helped shape the culture of design at Manchester School of Art, most recently as Subject Leader for the MA/MFA Graphic Design & Art Direction and MA/MFA Illustration, as well as leading PGT Design across the School.

John encouraged students to challenge conventions, think differently, and pursue bold, imaginative ideas. He believed in the power of design as a way of questioning, communicating and transforming the world.

This prize will honour that legacy by supporting students who push boundaries and take creative risks something John championed throughout his career.

About John

John’s design practice was rich and wide-ranging. From early collaborations with Factory Records, 808 State and Mr. Scruff, to working with Flux magazine, Tate, Band on the Wall and even Robert Redford, he brought together letterpress and digital typography with experimental research-led methods.

He had recently completed a PhD at Manchester School of Art, where he proposed Graphicology a new academic discipline exploring graphic communication as a science.

And of course, many will remember his joyful #lifties: the self-portraits he took in the School lifts each day, a simple and uplifting ritual we all came to look forward to.

Help Us Celebrate His Legacy

Your donation will help launch and sustain this annual prize, keeping John’s spirit of curiosity, creativity and play alive for future generations of designers.

Thank you so much for your support. John would be so proud of you all!