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Monday 10am - 5pm 9:30pm - 11:59pm Tuesday 10am - 5pm Wednesday 10am - 5pm Thursday 10am - 5pm 9:30pm - 11:59pm Friday 10am - 5pm

Royal Society of Portrait Painters

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Royal Society of Portrait Painters

To promote the practice of and further excellence in painted portraiture

We further our aims by offering an annual exhibition and a permanent collection as showcases for contemporary portraiture; valuable prizes and a bursary for emerging talent; talks, debates and demonstrations to give insight into portraiture and a service to help anyone who would like to commission a portrait.

28/05/2026

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Today we highlight Annual Exhibition prize winner Neale Worley NEAC RP with his portrait called 'Anthony Eyton’ for winning the RP President's Prize!
-An award of £2,000 to an artwork selected by the Society’s President.

You can discover the full list of winners via the link in our bio.
Congratulations to all winners!

It was also Anthony Eyton's 103rd birthday very recently!
With a career spanning 80 years, Eyton has exhibited work around the world including in Italy, Canada and Hong Kong! In June 2023, he was awarded an OBE in the King's Birthday Honours for services to painting and the art community.

Images: Neale Worley NEAC RP, ‘Anthony Eyton’ & Mark Sepple photography

26/05/2026

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Drawing Prize: Revealing the Human 2026...
OPEN CALL IS HERE!

Selected works will be exhibited at the University of Hull Art Gallery, with up to 120 artworks chosen by a distinguished panel.

And today we share one of last years exhibitors Phoebe Leach with their portrait titled ‘Surgical Team (Theatre 37)'...

"Between 2024 and 2025, I was the resident artist in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

I began the residency by drawing whilst in theatres, sketching the multi-disciplinary team and surgical environment from life, constrained by the space and materials that logistically could be used. Observing nearly 20 operations, from spinal surgeries to craniotomies, I created over 80 drawings from life. Despite not knowing how long a surgery would take, I always stopped drawing as the operation drew to a close, capturing busy moving scenes as the theatre staff functioned around my set up outside the sterile field. Initially, I intended for the drawings to act as references for my paintings, however as I continued to draw, the collection of sketches became its own entity.

After only observing a handful of operations, it became clear the message I wanted to convey: in an exceptionally sterile and clinical environment, what stood out to me was the humanity, compassion, and teamwork. It was important to capture the juxtaposition of movement occurring simultaneously within an operating theatre; moments of stillness and reflection exist in tandem with coordinated and precise actions. This work celebrates the surgical team whilst also helping patients build a narrative to understand their experiences."

Submit here or link in bio: https://therp.co.uk/the-rp-drawing-prize/
Deadline: 28th July, 5pm

Image: Phoebe Leach, ‘Surgical Team (Theatre 37)'phoebe

25/05/2026

Today we share the fourth snippet... of an Expert Panel Discussion, hosted by James Nicholls of Nicholls Art Group, on the occasion of an exhibition of Arnold Friberg paintings at the Mall Galleries. The talk is chaired by renowned curator Dr Alison Smith, with three of our RP member award winning artists Miriam Escofet, Antony Williams and Frances Bell. They talk about their work, their very particular working processes and the ideas that go into their portraits.

Alison Smith was formerly lead curator at Tate Britain, chief curator of the National Portrait Gallery, and is now director of collections and research at the Wallace Collection. Miriam Escofet has won several awards, including first prize for the BP Portrait Award 2018 at the NPG, she was subsequently commissioned to paint a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II for the Foreign Office. Antony Williams has won multiple awards, including the RP Ondaatje Prize twice and first prize at the HSF Portrait Award 2024 at the NPG, he was commissioned to paint Queen Elizabeth II in 1996 as part of his Ondaatje Prize. Frances Bell has won multiple awards, including the RP William Locke Prize and the prestigious Grand Draper Prize for the Portrait Society of America International Competition in 2025

You can watch the full, very insightful discussion on our YouTube via the link in our bio or here: https://youtu.be/VsviH_zHmuw

Film: James Nicholls
Today we share the third snippet... of an Expert Panel Discussion, hosted by James Nicholls of Nicholls Art Group, on the occasion of an exhibition of Arnold Friberg paintings at the Mall Galleries. The talk is chaired by renowned curator Dr Alison Smith, with three of our RP member award winning artists Miriam Escofet, Antony Williams and Frances Bell. They talk about their work, their very particular working processes and the ideas that go into their portraits.

Alison Smith was formerly lead curator at Tate Britain, chief curator of the National Portrait Gallery, and is now director of collections and research at the Wallace Collection. Miriam Escofet has won several awards, including first prize for the BP Portrait Award 2018 at the NPG, she was subsequently commissioned to paint a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II for the Foreign Office. Antony Williams has won multiple awards, including the RP Ondaatje Prize twice and first prize at the HSF Portrait Award 2024 at the NPG, he was commissioned to paint Queen Elizabeth II in 1996 as part of his Ondaatje Prize. Frances Bell has won multiple awards, including the RP William Locke Prize and the prestigious Grand Draper Prize for the Portrait Society of America International Competition in 2025

You can watch the full, very insightful discussion on our YouTube via the link in our bio or here: https://youtu.be/VsviH_zHmuw

Film: James Nicholls

24/05/2026

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Now in its fourth year The RP Critical Writing Prize is establishing itself as an important and significant platform for new and emerging voices as well as for more established commentators...

An award for new writing on any aspect of contemporary portrait painting.
The prize is open to all.

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Three of the applicants will be selected to submit their complete texts and awarded either the first prize of £500 or one of two ‘special mention’ prizes of £250.

All three texts will be published in the RP Annual Exhibition Catalogue published in May (2027). The catalogue is a well-established document of record within the sector.

One of the aims of the prize is to provide a platform for aspiring writers on the visual arts and specifically to spark intelligent conversation about the contemporary portrait.

- The prize is open to all and is free to enter.

- Submissions must be in the English language.

- There is no age limit.

- No formal education or qualification is required to apply for this prize.

Find out more: www.therp.co.uk or go to the link in our bio.
-Check out our past years winning essays!

DEADLINE: Midnight, 2nd December 2026

Image: Charlotte Sorapure, 'Echo'

23/05/2026

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Today we highlight prize winner Nichola-Rae Bevers with her portrait called 'Sunday Morning' for winning the Faringdon Prize!
-£5,000 for the most distinguished drawing in the annual exhibition.

And thank you Faringdon.

You can discover the full list of winners via the link in our bio.
Congratulations to all winners!

Images: Nichola-Rae Bevers, 'Sunday Morning' & Mark Sepple photography

20/05/2026

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Art dealer and historian Philip Mould opened our Annual Exhibition along with Anthony Connolly PRP, who announced this year's prizewinners!

Today we highlight prize winner Olivia Pang with her portrait called 'Matteo' for winning Daler-Rowney Materials Prize!
-Daler-Rowney materials to the value of £1,000 will be awarded to the artist who in the opinion of the judging panel has submitted a picture to the annual show which is exceptional, either in terms of its imaginative response to the sitter or its technical achievement.

And thank you Daler-Rowney.

You can discover the full list of winners via the link in our bio.
Congratulations to all winners!

Read a lovely post from Daler-Rowney on our association with them here: https://daler-rowney.com/communities/royal-society-of-portrait-painters-annual-exhibition-2026-is-open-celebrating-portraiture/

Image: Olivia Pang, 'Matteo' & Mark Sepple photography

19/05/2026

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Celebrating the best in contemporary portraiture... our Annual Exhibition 2026 closes today at 5pm !

The country’s leading portrait exhibition presents painted and drawn portraiture selected from both national and international submissions. The work on display is diverse, bringing together high-profile commissions of public figures, alongside more personal portraits of less familiar faces.

The exhibition promotes artistic excellence in portraiture, offering major prizes and an excellent opportunity for commissions.

If you would like to discuss a portrait idea or find out more about our commission service, please go find Martina Merelli-Stevens today or contact her here: [email protected]

And thank you again Philip Mould, Art dealer and historian who opened our Annual Exhibition along with Anthony Connolly PRP, who announced this year's prizewinners!
-Our full list of prize winners are within the link in our bio.

..See you at the gallery today.

Images:

18/05/2026

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STILL ON UNTIL TOMORROW Tuesday 19 May!

Exhibitor Sally Ward has shared some words for her two exhibiting portraits...

-Sally is a professional artist specialising in portraits and the figure. This is the fourth time Sally has exhibited with the RP in recent years. She has also exhibited with the ROI and the SWA. She was a finalist on Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year, painting Eddie Izzard, Bernardine Evaristo and Melanie Sykes. Most recently, her portrait of the Rt Hon. Rachel Reeves, the first female Chancellor of the Exchequer, was acquired by the Parliamentary Art Collection in 2026 for permanent hang in Portcullis House.
In her portraits, Sally likes to create a sensitive, honest & emotionally intimate portrayal of her subjects, focusing on the sitter’s interior world.

How I See You
“The painting is a portrait of fellow artist and friend, Curtis Holder, as I see him. We first met when taking part in Sky Portrait Artist of the Year together (I was a finalist & Curtis won the competition) & have been friends ever since.

We had a lovely sitting together last year - we tried some poses, but Curtis is always drawing, so it seemed right to capture him focused & absorbed doing what he loves.

Outwardly Curtis is known for his outgoing & gregarious personality. However, behind this, he draws his energy from time alone away from his busy life. His sensitivity & introspection is revealed in his work & it is this “inner” side of him that I wanted to capture.”

Oil Study - Self Portrait
“In this study, I wanted to explore the effects of light on flesh tones, and experiment with a more impasto application of paint. I chose a pose which was rich in contrasts, & was interested in the light effects coming from above, creating shadows across my face, neck and shoulders. The expression is uncompromising – I wanted to convey both strength in the gaze as well as vulnerability in the intimate nature of the pose. However, the meaning of it is ambiguous and for the viewer to interpret.”

When?
On until tomorrow 19 May 2026
Open 10am-5pm

Images: Sally Ward, 'How I see you' & Self Portrait'

16/05/2026

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Art dealer and historian Philip Mould opened our Annual Exhibition along with Anthony Connolly PRP, who announced this year's prizewinners!

Today we highlight prize winner Sam Dalby RP with his painting called 'Self Portrait' for winning The Almenara Collection Award.
-A £5,000 purchase prize will be awarded to a picture which is for sale (at a price not exceeding £5,000) and which, in the opinions of the nominated RP panel and representatives of the Almenara Collection, is agreed to be a worthy addition to the Almenara Collection.

And thank you Almenara.

You can discover the full list of winners via the link in our bio.
Congratulations to all winners!

Our Annual Exhibition is still ON NOW – until this coming Tuesday 19th May, (closed to the public all day 12 May)
Open 10am to 5pm

Image: Sam Dalby RP & Mark Sepple photography

15/05/2026

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Promoting exquisite portraiture, our exhibition is the leading portrait painting showcase in the country....

“The Society’s Annual Open Exhibition is probably the largest and most significant celebration of contemporary portrait painting in Europe. The show is always selected by a jury of practising portrait painters, no critics, no journalists, no celebrities – just painters.”
-Anthony Connolly – President

We are IS STILL OPEN until this Sunday 19th May.
Open 10am to 5pm

Come see us before it's too late!

Images: RP exhibition, Exclusive Event
📸 Ritesh Bhalsod

14/05/2026

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BOOK YOUR SPOT FOR TONIGHTS TALK!

Portraits of Women, Portrayals of Virtue - A special talk by Andrew Graham-Dixon.

Join acclaimed art historian Andrew Graham-Dixon for a revelatory talk on his new biography, Vermeer: A Life Lost and Found.

When?
TONIGHT from 6pm (for 6:30pm start) to 8pm
!

Book your spot via the link in our bio or here: www.therp.co.uk
..See you later!

Our Annual Exhibition is still open now - 19 May
Open 10am to 5pm otherwise

Address

Mall Galleries, The Mall
London
SW1

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 5pm
	9:30pm - 11:59pm
Tuesday	10am - 5pm
Wednesday	10am - 5pm
Thursday	10am - 5pm
	9:30pm - 11:59pm
Friday	10am - 5pm

Telephone

020 7930 6844

Website

http://therp.co.uk/

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