Downton Abbey star praises five-year-old's 'iconic image' which won Weald and Downland Living Museum competition

The museum launched a competition earlier this year asking local, young supporters to design a badge to mark the occasion.

Museum director Simon Wardell headed up the judging panel, which also included actor Hugh Bonneville, artist Annie Timothy and Editor of the Observer Series, Gary Shipton.

Five-year-old Megan, from East Grinstead, won both her 5-8 years age category and the overall competition with a design that showed one of the historic buildings in the sunshine.

“It’s fantastic news," Megan's mum said. "Megan is so very pleased and very excited to have won the competition!

"She can’t believe that her design will be made into a badge.”

Artist Annie Timothy praised Megan’s 'eye for detail', whilst Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville said the design 'brilliantly distils' the classic historical structures associated with the museum and the 'sun on the landscape in which they sit'.

He added: "The Weald & Downland Living Museum is a series of living snapshots, capturing buildings and lifestyles at a moment in time and presenting them afresh for a new generation.

"This design brilliantly distils the classic historical structures we associate with the museum and the sun on the landscape in which they sit.

"This badge catches the eye with an iconic image, familiar to anyone who has been to the Weald and Downland Museum. To those who have yet to visit, it suggests a welcome home.”

Megan’s winning design will be produced and sold in the museum gift shop as a limited edition badge. Winners from each category will also receive a free family membership.

Anna Proctor was awarded the top prize in the 18+ age range and was thrilled to have won her category, saying she was 'speechless' at the news.

A boy named Thomas, 11, from Lavant, won the 9-13 years category with a design that judge Gary Shipton felt had 'a real flavour of Sussex', by 'joining the sea and downs' while 'encapsulating the heritage buildings' both within and outside the museum.

The Weald and Downland Living Museum is running a series of celebratory events throughout the year to mark its 50th anniversary.

To ensure social distancing restrictions can be maintained, only limited numbers are allowed on site each day so booking in advance is essential. Please visit www.wealddown.co.uk for more information.

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