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Cambridge student wins Victoria and Albert Museum prize for 'tender illustrations'

Sophie Burrows Sophie Burrows' illustrationSophie Burrows
Her illustrations, entitled Crushing, are about a woman alone and negotiating life in south-east London

A student based in Cambridge has won an award from the V&A museum in London for her "tender illustrations".

Sophie Burrows, 29, who studies children's book illustration at Anglia Ruskin University, has won the 2019 V&A Student Illustrator of the Year Award.

She received it for her artwork titled Crushing which tells the story of a woman negotiating life in London.

Ms Burrows, who is from Penge, in south London, also received a cheque for £3,000.

Anglia Ruskin University Sophie Burrows and the V&A AwardAnglia Ruskin University
Sophie Burrows, who studies children's book illustration at Anglia Ruskin University, has won the 2019 V&A Student Illustrator of the Year Award

It is the fourth year in a row the award has gone to an Anglia Ruskin University student.

The judges said of her work: "Burrows' tender illustrations in graphic novel format are both darkly amusing and wryly observed.

"Her shrewd use of just two colours conjures a quirky dreamlike atmosphere as well as evoking the essential loneliness of the central character."

Sophie Burrows CrushingSophie Burrows
The judges said of Ms Burrows' work: "Burrows tender illustrations in graphic novel format are both darkly amusing and wryly observed"

Ms Burrows told the BBC: "I am really thrilled to have won the award. I still can't believe it."

She said her award-winning project had been inspired by the museum as she had drawn characters when she brought her sketchbook to the V&A.

Fellow Anglia Ruskin student Junli Song was highly commended for her work Dance.

All the artwork will be on display in Gallery 88a at the V&A until 25 August.

Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A, said: "We are delighted to welcome such an exciting range of skilful works into our galleries as we celebrate this year's award winners."