March 2025
We're thrilled to showcase the incredible work of two talented Oxford artists at The Kimmeridge, our first rental development in the city.
Working with Creative Debuts, we invited local artists to create pieces inspired by Oxford's rich culture and heritage. The prize? A permanent home for their artwork in our new Oxford development and £3,000 each for the winners.
After reviewing many amazing entries, our judges selected two artists whose work truly captures the spirit of Oxford.
A Personal Tribute to Oxford's Architecture
Tom Croft, a 54-year-old Oxford local, created a stunning homage to the iconic Radcliffe Camera. Known for his portraits of famous faces like David Beckham and his moving paintings of NHS heroes during the pandemic, Tom's piece connects The Kimmeridge's modern homes with Oxford's classical beauty.
"This project was deeply personal to me," Tom shared. "My father was an architect, and The Radcliffe Camera was his favourite building. I firmly believe that art is one very important way in which we turn buildings into homes."
Celebrating Oxford's Everyday Joy
Our second winner, 19-year-old Phoebe Birch, is a first-year Fine Art student at Oxford's Ruskin School of Art. Her vibrant painting captures the lively social atmosphere of Oxford, celebrating the beauty in everyday moments around the city.
"My aim was to paint the people of Oxford enjoying their surroundings, showcasing the joy and vibrancy of the city," Phoebe explained. "When I found out I won, I ran to my grandma's house to share the news and I was absolutely buzzing with excitement!"
Inspired by beloved spots like the Turf Tavern and Oxford High Street, Phoebe's work beautifully preserves the charm of daily life in Oxford.
Building Community Through Art
We unveiled these wonderful pieces at a special event at The Kimmeridge, our development of 150 new rental homes.
Fiona McDonald, our Head of Onboarding, explained: "With The Kimmeridge being the first purpose-built rental development in Oxford, we wanted to try something unique with the artwork, to really celebrate the city within our new development, whilst providing a platform for local art in the community."
Calum Hall, Founder at Creative Debuts, added: "The calibre of submissions was incredibly high and made our decision making such a tough choice. Oxford is such a creative city and houses so many brilliant artists."
We're proud to continue our tradition of creating homes that enrich lives and communities, bringing a touch of Oxford's artistic heritage into The Kimmeridge.