Royal Society of Portrait Painters Annual Exhibition 2026

The Royal Society of Portrait Painters has opened its Annual Exhibition 2026 at Mall Galleries, reaffirming its position as one of the UK’s leading organisations dedicated to the art of portraiture.

Founded in 1891, the Society was established to promote and sustain portrait painting as a vital and evolving discipline. Today, it brings together some of the most accomplished portrait artists working in Britain, alongside a growing number of international practitioners. Membership is by election, ensuring a consistently high standard, while the Society’s activities extend far beyond exhibition-making to include commissions, educational initiatives, and public engagement.

Central to its mission is a commitment to both tradition and progression. While rooted in observational skill and draughtsmanship, the Society actively supports a broad interpretation of portraiture – embracing contemporary approaches, diverse media, and new perspectives on identity and representation. This balance has allowed it to remain relevant within a rapidly shifting art landscape, bridging heritage techniques with modern practice.

The Annual Exhibition is the focal point of this activity. Open submission sits alongside invited works from members, creating a platform where emerging artists exhibit alongside established names. This structure not only broadens access but also ensures the exhibition reflects the current state of portrait painting across disciplines, from oil and watercolour to sculpture and mixed media.

Running from 7–19 May 2026, this year’s exhibition features around 200 works and a significant prize fund, reinforcing the Society’s role in supporting artists at different stages of their careers. Talks, demonstrations, and events held alongside the exhibition further position it as a hub for learning and professional exchange within the portrait painting community.

“Daler-Rowney and the RP have both been around for a long time and we are delighted by our collaboration and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.” – Anthony Connolly, President of the RP.

Among the awards presented this year, the Daler-Rowney Prize recognises excellence in painting, with a particular emphasis on material sensitivity and technical control. The 2026 prize has been awarded to Olivia Pang for her work Matteo (113).

Executed in watercolour on silk with gold leaf, Matteo demonstrates a precise and considered approach to portraiture. The silk support allows for exceptionally soft tonal transitions, while the addition of gold leaf introduces a restrained luminosity that enhances the sitter’s presence without overpowering the composition.

Measuring 30 × 20 cm (42 × 32 cm framed), the work reflects Pang’s grounding in Gongbi painting – a technique defined by fine linework and meticulous layering – reinterpreted within a contemporary portrait context. The result is a portrait that feels both controlled and quietly expressive.

The Daler-Rowney Prize highlights artists who combine technical discipline with a distinctive voice. Pang’s selection aligns closely with the Society’s wider ethos: supporting work that respects tradition while contributing something new to the language of portraiture.

Find out more about the association: https://therp.co.uk/