Colvin Prize
About
The Colvin Prize is an award to the author or authors of an outstanding work of reference that relates to the field of architectural history, broadly conceived. All modes of publication are eligible, including catalogues, gazetteers, digital databases, online resources and edited volumes.
Two awards are given under this scheme. The first is awarded annually and is drawn from a shortlist of works nominated. The second, the Colvin Special Award, is given at the discretion of the Society’s Trustees, and recognises a reference work of exceptional significance to the discipline. As such, it is awarded periodically.
The Colvin Prize is named in honour of Sir Howard Colvin (1919-2007), a former president of the Society. Colvin ranks among the most eminent and influential scholars in architectural history of the twentieth century. His best-known publications are now standard works of reference: the pioneering Dictionary of British Architects which transformed the study of seventeenth-, eighteenth-, and early nineteenth-century architecture, and the History of the King’s Works, which has provided the basis for the history of public building in England spanning centuries.
The prize was inaugurated in 2017. Winners receive a commemorative medal designed by contemporary medallist Abigail Burt. The obverse refers to the ‘Beehive’ by the Architects Co-Partnership (ACP) at St John’s College, Oxford, where Colvin was a long-serving fellow. This was a pioneering project by a Modernist firm, championed by Colvin. The beehive motif also alludes to the collaborative effort often involved with producing works of reference. The concave reverse is a representation of Colvin’s library in the house he designed for himself on Plantation Road in north Oxford.
Judging Panel
Dr Elizabeth Darling (Chair of SAHGB) (Judging Panel Chair)
Sarah Akigbogun (Studio Aki Architects)
Helen Iball (Birmingham City University)
Dr Kate Jordan (University of Westminster)
Prof. Adam Sharr (University of Newcastle)
Dr Matthew Wells (University of Manchester)
Criteria and Eligibility
All modes of publication are eligible, including dictionaries, catalogues, gazetteers, digital databases (including full-text, indexing/abstracting and bibliographic databases), other online resources and edited volumes. Digital databases and online resources should be live and in use and should show significant development over the last 2 years. Printed publications should be published within the past 2 years (ie after 1 January 2023). Works of reference for heritage and conservation practice are encouraged. Submissions should show contemporary relevance to scholarship and/or practice.
Works will be judged according to the following broad criteria:
Originality – the degree to which the research produces and/or enables new insights in architectural history and its methodologies.
Impact – the degree to which the research has the potential to increase the understanding of, or influence innovation in the practice of architectural history.
Rigour – the intellectual precision and/or systematic method and/or integrity embodied in the research.
Communication – the degree to which the work communicates clearly through written, visual and spatial formats, and whether there is evidence of engaging audiences beyond specialists in the field.
Judging Process
Stage 1 - Nomination
Individuals are able to nominate eligible works or resources using the online form below. You do not need to be a member to nominate, and authors may self-nominate if they wish. Nominations close 6 May 2025.
Stage 2 - Longlist Submission
Authors of nominated titles are invited to submit their work to a longlist for initial assessment by the judging panel.
Stage 3 - Shortlist selection
Authors and publishers of shortlisted titles will then be invited to submit further supporting information for the final judging stage.
This will comprise:
1000-word Extended Abstract - further guidelines given
Optional letter of support from the Publisher
Contents of book or resource (i.e. a list of chapters/subdivisions)
The introduction to the work (typically the first chapter - optionally, a single chapter may be submitted if the introduction is very short).
Following Shortlisting:
Shortlisted authors and their publishers will be asked to provide:
A requisite number of books by post or access to a resource for assessment by the panel and/or access to the whole of the work.
(If appropriate) a supporting document outlining a taxonomy of terms and/or structure used to generate and/or organise the data/metadata and resulting resource.
Publicity materials including representative images from the work, author portrait, etc.
Stage 4 - Award and Commendations
The judging panel will assess the shortlisted works and decide on a winner and any special commendations. The winner will be announced at our Awards Ceremony in late 2025.
Submission Form
Please contact info@sahgb.org.uk if you have any questions surrounding submissions for the Colvin Prize.