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The week before the Summer Exhibition opens its doors to the public is a busy time at the Royal Academy.
The first official event in a week rich with traditions old and new is Non-Members Varnishing Day, a uniquely colourful and festive occasion.
Historically, it was the day that exhibitors in the show who were not Royal Academicians could come in and put the finishing touches to their works. Now, it sees a steel band leading a procession from the Courtyard to St James’s Piccadilly for a traditional church service, followed by a reception in the exhibition's galleries.
In the film below, Royal Academician Ken Howard tells us why it's his favourite RA event and three first-time exhibitors explain what it feels like to be in the show:
RA Magazine's blog is compiled by members of the editorial team plus invited guest bloggers from the Royal Academy and beyond. Get in touch here.
All comments on this post - (1 comment)
hi looked at the site as janes painting is part of the summer show her painting i saw in her studio at loughborough university and i feel so happy that her work is there and seeing jane standing by her work gives me great joy
Posted on: June 2, 2011 10:45 AM by lynne langton