Summer Exhibition 2019
10 June — 12 August 2019
Sponsored by
Summer Exhibition 2019
Following last year’s record-breaking 250th Summer Exhibition, our annual celebration of art and creativity continues in 2019.
Run without interruption since 1769, the Summer Exhibition is the world’s largest open submission art show and brings together art in all mediums – prints and paintings, film, photography, sculpture, architectural works and more – by leading artists, Royal Academicians and household names as well as new and emerging talent.
This year, acclaimed British painter Jock McFadyen RA takes the mantle from Grayson Perry to co-ordinate the 251st Summer Exhibition. Over 1,500 works are on display, most of them for the first time. Highlights include an animal-themed ‘menagerie’ in the Central Hall, with works by artists including Polly Morgan, Charles Avery, Banksy and Mat Collishaw. Artist sisters Jane and Louise Wilson RA have curated two galleries, one of which showcases work exploring light and time. Further artists exhibiting include Jeremy Deller, Marcus Harvey, Tracey Emin RA, Frank Bowling RA, Antony Gormley RA and Honorary Academicians Anselm Kiefer, James Turrell and Wim Wenders.
Outside the galleries, international artist Thomas Houseago has taken over the RA’s courtyard with a group of large-scale sculptural works, and the exhibition spills out into nearby Bond Street with a colourful installation of flags featuring work by Michael Craig-Martin RA.
As always, most of the artworks are for sale with proceeds helping to fund the Academy’s non-profit-making activities, including educating the next generation of artists in the RA Schools.
10 June — 12 August 2019
Daily 10am – 6pm
Friday 10am – 10pm
£18 (without donation £16). Concessions available. Under-16s go free with a fee-paying adult. Free for Friends of the RA with no booking required.
Main Galleries and The Ronald and Rita McAulay Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts
Sponsored by
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![Summer Exhibition 2019]()
Browse and buy online
Summer Exhibition Explorer
Lions, tigers and bears – the 251st Summer Exhibition is brimming with animals but it also features limited-edition prints, lithographs, watercolours and etchings that you can buy online.
Browse and buy any of the 1,500 works in the show or explore one of our hand-picked selections.
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Works in the exhibition
![Benedict Jones, 1053 - THE MUSTARD MONUMENT]()
![James Bollen, 254 - ZAZA ZHANG]()
![Elizabeth Magill, 474 - NIGHT SKY MAKER (DIPTYCH)]()
![Thibault Godbillon, 75 - RESTING PIG FACE]()
![Caroline Piggott, 76 - UK FISHING RIGHTS]()
![Sir Michael Craig-Martin RA, 1377 - UNTITLED (MEMORY X 3)]()
![Martin Grover, 1120 - LITTLE TIKE'S LAST RIDE ( BALLAD FOR A COZY COUPE)]()
![Rebecca Coleman, 1063 - VIEW SUBTERRANEA: PADDINGTON]()
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The Summer Exhibition in 60 seconds
More than 1,500 works across over 3,000 square metres… step inside the RA’s Main Galleries for a quick zip around the Summer Exhibition 2019.
This year, works are also on display outside our Burlington Gardens entrance and in the Wohl Entrance Hall, the Ronald and Rita McAulay Gallery and the Annenberg Courtyard.
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Become a Friend of the RA and see the Summer Exhibition for free
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Bring the family!
Children under 16 go free to all our exhibitions, and there’s plenty to see and do once they’re here. If you’re visiting the Summer Exhibition with young children, pick up an Art Detective guide and the door so you can quiz, draw, think and quest your way around the show.
![For coloured half-and-half: family at the Summer Exhibition 2019]()
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![Sir Michael Craig-Martin RA - Installation of flags on Bond Street for Art in Mayfair]()
Celebrating Art in Mayfair
This June, the Summer Exhibition will once again spill out onto the streets of London’s West End to celebrate the rich heritage of Art in Mayfair.
Royal Academician, Sir Michael Craig-Martin, will take over Bond Street with an installation of his artwork on flags. Pop-up activity and art installations will also appear in the windows of world-renowned fashion and fine jewellery stores. Last year saw brands like Louis Vuitton, Fenwick of Bond Street, Hermès, Victoria Beckham, IWC, Longchamp, Jimmy Choo, Jaeger Le-Coultre, Amanda Wakeley, Montblanc, TODS and Temperley London coming together to celebrate the RA and the rich heritage of Art in Mayfair.
#ArtInMayfair
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Read more
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![Norman Ackroyd , Sula from St Ronan's Chapel (detail)]()
RA Exhibitions
1 month ago
Buying prints at the RA
Alongside this year’s Summer Exhibition, you can also find several free displays across our buildings – each showcasing artworks ready to bring home. Here are three highlights, chosen by print enthusiasts.
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![Installation view of the Summer Exhibition 2022 at the Royal Academy of Arts, London, 21 June – 21 August 2022.]()
RA Exhibitions
1 month ago
The Artists of the Summer Exhibition 2022
Meet some of the artists from this year’s show and find out more about their work and their feelings on the theme of Climate.
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RA Exhibitions
2 months ago
Bombs, dots and rockstars: seven stories of the Summer Exhibition
From frenemy feuds to a bomb through the roof, the storylines of the Summer Exhibition could make a TV drama – so no wonder it’s often featured on screen. Here are just a few of our favourite episodes…
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![Art handlers hanging the 2018 Summer Exhibition]()
RA Exhibitions
2 months ago
Nine things to know about the Summer Exhibition
An invitation to artists everywhere, a story that goes back to Turner – and a top secret tea recipe. Here’s what you need to know about a weird and wonderful art tradition that’s over 250-years-old.
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![Summer Exhibition 2021]()
RA Exhibitions
2 months ago
Seven tips for starting your own art collection
There are over 1,000 works in the 2022 Summer Exhibition – and most of them are for sale. So how do you choose? Here are our top tips for buying your first pieces of original art.
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![Annette Fernando, 44 - STOP BEING SO DAMN UNDERSTANDING]()
RA Exhibitions
8 months ago
Video: Annette Fernando at the Summer Exhibition 2021
Annette Fernando – a first-time exhibitor at the Summer Exhibition – talks us through her work, ‘Stop being so damn understanding’ which is so intricate, it’s often mistaken for a photo.
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![Linton Kwesi Johnson]()
RA Exhibitions
8 months ago
Linton Kwesi Johnson on poetry as an act of resistance
Yinka Shonibare RA invited the renowned Brixton-based reggae poet Linton Kwesi Johnson to bring his powerful words to the Summer Exhibition. Caleb Azumah Nelson sits down with him to discuss the poetry of resistance.
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![Summer Exhibition 2021]()
RA Exhibitions
10 months ago
Behind the scenes of the 2021 Summer Exhibition
This year, Yinka Shonibare RA is putting marginalised voices at the heart of the Summer Exhibition. Here, Kadish Morris explores the vision and art for this year’s show.
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![Summer Exhibition 2021 Room 4]()
RA Exhibitions
11 months ago
Inside the Summer Exhibition 2021 with Yinka Shonibare RA
Summer Exhibition coordinator Yinka Shonibare RA explains his vision for this year’s show
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![Yinka Shonibare RA]()
RA Exhibitions
> 1 year ago
Yinka Shonibare’s vision for the Summer Exhibition 2021
Summer Exhibition co-ordinator Yinka Shonibare explains how he’s “reclaiming magic” in this year’s show.
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![Inside the Summer Exhibition (still)]()
RA Exhibitions
< 2 years ago
Inside the Summer Exhibition 2020 with Jane and Louise Wilson RA
Join coordinators Jane and Louise Wilson RA as they introduce the 252nd Summer Exhibition and discuss the challenges of putting it all together during a pandemic.
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![Jane and Louise Wilson, 'I'd Walk With You But Not With Her’]()
RA Exhibitions
< 2 years ago
Inside the first-ever socially distanced Summer Exhibition
For the first time in its 252-year history, the Summer Exhibition will fall in winter. Amy Sherlock speaks to this year’s co-ordinators, film and photography duo Jane and Louise Wilson RA, who are steering the show into new waters.
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![Installation view, Thomas Houseago's Annenberg Courtyard installation]()
RA Exhibitions
3 years ago
Thomas Houseago: Summer Exhibition 2019
“There’s an experience that art can offer which is this strange combination of activating the eyes, the mind, the body and a kind of emotional spectrum.”
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![Installation view of the Summer Exhibition 2019 (10 June – 12 August)]()
RA Exhibitions
3 years ago
Summer Exhibition 2019 prizes announced
Printmaker, painter and sculptor Joe Tilson RA has won the 2019 Charles Wollaston award for the “most distinguished work” in the Summer Exhibition.
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![Installation view of the Summer Exhibition 2019 (10 June – 12 August), with 2019 coordinator Jock McFayden RA]()
RA Exhibitions
3 years ago
Exploring this year’s Summer Exhibition with coordinator Jock McFadyen RA
Feeling overwhelmed by all the art to see in this year’s Summer Exhibition? Here’s some guidance from poet and art critic Kelly Grovier, who met with the show’s coordinator to discuss its themes before selecting his own standout works to see.
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![Alexa Chung in the Summer Exhibition 2019]()
RA Exhibitions
3 years ago
Video: Alexa Chung at the Summer Exhibition
Join presenter and fashion designer Alexa Chung for a (very) private view of this year’s Summer Exhibition, as she picks out some of her favourite works.
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![Tamara Rojo]()
Our Collection
< 4 years ago
Top picks from the RA Collection: Tamara Rojo
As the dancer and Artistic Director of English National Ballet speaks at the RA’s first Festival of Ideas, we caught up with Tamara Rojo to hear about the art that has inspired and intrigued her – from the work she used to prepare for dancing Swan Lake, to the painting she dreams of owning.
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![Richard Earlom, The Exhibition at the Royal Academy in Pall Mall in 1771]()
Our Collection
4 years ago
How to read it: The Exhibition of the Royal Academy in Pall Mall, 1771
How much has the Summer Exhibition changed in 250 years? As the Great Spectacle exhibition looks back at the masterpieces from its history, we head back to 1771 to explore a work that documented the exhibition itself.
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![Charles Sims RA, Clio and the Children]()
Our Collection
4 years ago
The RA Collection in 250 objects: The Summer Exhibition
To celebrate our 250th birthday, we’re highlighting 250 beautiful, odd and inspiring objects from the RA Collection in 25 themes. In this edition, with the Summer Exhibition on display, and another RA exhibition – The Great Spectacle – looking back at its history, we explore some works in the Collection from Summers gone by.
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![J.S. Sargent RA, Detail of the portrait of Henry James O.M. after being damaged by a suffragette, May 1914]()
Our Collection
4 years ago
‘Deeds not words’: Suffragettes and the Summer Exhibition
The Great Spectacle charts 250 years of Summer Exhibitions – including 1914, when Suffragette Mary Wood attacked a John Singer Sargent portrait with a meat cleaver. We delve into the Royal Academy’s archive to find out how the Academy, and the public, reacted.
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![The Great Spectacle]()
RA Exhibitions
4 years ago
Tracing British art through 250 years of the Summer Exhibition
The Summer Exhibition has filled the RA’s galleries every year since 1769 – it’s been a witness (and a player) in many of British art history’s biggest moments. Jenny Uglow takes a look at the art that’s caused drama, changes, protests and celebration over the past quarter millennium.
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![Ten of the twelve committee members for the 2018 Summer Exhibition]()
RA Exhibitions
4 years ago
Behind the scenes at the 250th Summer Exhibition
What’s it like to put together the Summer Exhibition? We spoke to this year’s coordinator, Grayson Perry RA, and his band of fellow artists in charge of selecting and hanging the world’s largest open-submission art show.
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![Inside the studio of Michelle Dow, an artist exhibiting in the Summer Exhibition 2017]()
Artists
5 years ago
Studio life: tips from the Summer Exhibition artists
As part of our season exploring artists’ studios, we asked the artists of the 2017 Summer Exhibition – from Royal Academicians to first-time exhibitors – to give us a peep inside their working space, and to share their secrets for a successful studio practice.
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![Gallery X, dedicated to the work of Isaac Julien, at the 2017 Summer Exhibition]()
RA Exhibitions
5 years ago
Summer Exhibition 2017 prizes announced
Filmmaker and installation artist Isaac Julien wins the prestigious £25,000 Charles Wollaston award for the “most distinguished work” in the Summer Exhibition.
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![Varda Caivano]()
RA Exhibitions
5 years ago
The studios behind the Summer Exhibition
How are the capital’s artists using their working spaces today? In the spirit of this year’s Summer Exhibition, which is encouraging artists who have not shown before at the RA, Skye Sherwin visits first-time exhibitors at work to see what they are bringing to the Academy.
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![Summer Exhibition 2016]()
RA Exhibitions
6 years ago
How I got into the Summer Exhibition
Every year there are around 13,000 public entries to the Summer Exhibition, with about 700 making it through to hang in the galleries. We asked 2016’s selected artists to share their creative secrets.
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![ABC at the Summer Exhibition Preview Party 2016]()
RA Exhibitions
6 years ago
In pictures: Summer Exhibition Preview Party 2016
The official launch of the Summer Exhibition 2016 welcomed some of London’s most celebrated artists and art lovers to Burlington House.
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![Jim Lambie, Zobop]()
Artists
> 6 years ago
Art quiz of the year 2015
Know your art? Take our quiz of the year and see how you measure up…
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![Richard E Grant visits the Summer Exhibition]()
RA Exhibitions
7 years ago
Richard E Grant at the Summer Exhibition 2015
A long-time fan of the Royal Academy’s annual Summer Exhibition, actor Richard E Grant takes us on a whistle-stop tour of his favourite works of art in this year’s show.
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![Lauren Capon, Shops Typology : Manchester Northern Quarter]()
Inside the Academy
7 years ago
Our picks from the A-level Summer Exhibition Online 2015
We asked members of staff to pick their highlights from this year’s A-level Summer Exhibition Online, which showcases the work of the country’s talented young artists and runs parallel to the RA’s Summer Exhibition.
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![Royal Academician Conrad Shawcross stands in front of 'The Dappled Light of the Sun', 2015]()
RA Exhibitions
7 years ago
Podcast: Conrad Shawcross RA in conversation
The Royal Academician discusses the way in which his sculptures explore geometry, philosophy, physics and metaphysics.
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![Michael Craig-Martin in his studio, 2014]()
RA Exhibitions
7 years ago
Podcast: Michael Craig-Martin RA in conversation
Celebrated artist and this year’s Summer Exhibition Coordinator, Michael Craig-Martin RA discusses some of the ideas and events that have shaped his achievements as an artist and teacher.
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![Paint mixing]()
Artists
7 years ago
How to get into the Summer Exhibition? Try this advice
We asked the artists selected for this year’s Summer Exhibition to share their secrets, and tell us their personal rules for making art. Here’s what they said.
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![Kitagawa Utamaro, OHisa, of Okita arm wrestling]()
RA Exhibitions
7 years ago
Rebecca Salter RA on the tradition of Japanese woodblock printing
The Academician has spent her career studying and promoting the threatened art of Japanese woodblock printing. Here, she tells us about her new prints, commissioned for the Summer Exhibition.
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![Christopher Le Brun, President of the Royal Academy gives a speech]()
RA Exhibitions
7 years ago
Summer Exhibition 2015 prizes announced
Rose Wylie RA announced as winner of the Charles Wollaston award.
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![The Royal Academy on the evening of the Summer Exhibition Preview Party]()
RA Exhibitions
7 years ago
In pictures: Summer Exhibition Preview Party
The Summer Exhibition Preview Party is one of the most glamorous events in the London calendar – and a major fundraiser for the RA.
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![Conrad Shawcross RA, pieces for 'The Dappled Light of the Sun', 2015]()
RA Exhibitions
7 years ago
Video: the making of Conrad Shawcross’s courtyard installation
Take a look behind the scenes at the making of ‘The Dappled Light of the Sun’.
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![Michael Craig-Martin RA in his studio, 2014 (detail)]()
Artists
7 years ago
Michael Craig-Martin, man for all seasons
As Michael Craig-Martin RA co-ordinates this year’s Summer Exhibition, the Curator and Head of the RA Schools Eliza Bonham Carter discovers in a new book what makes this leading artist and teacher tick.
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![David Chipperfield RA and Conrad Shawcross RA in Green Park]()
Artists
7 years ago
David Chipperfield RA meets Conrad Shawcross RA
RA Magazine’s Guest Editor David Chipperfield RA meets Conrad Shawcross RA in Green Park to talk trees and tetrahedrons, ahead of the sculptor’s spectacular work that greets visitors to the Summer Exhibition.
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![Usher and group in the RA Schools Life Room]()
Inside the Academy
> 7 years ago
Usher on mentoring, creativity and the Summer Exhibition
Our Head of Learning writes about the creative partnership between the Royal Academy and top recording artist Usher.
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![Michael Craig-Martin in his studio, 2014]()
Artists
> 7 years ago
Michael Craig-Martin RA: advice for an aspiring artist
In an extract from his new book, the Royal Academician who nurtured talents including Gary Hume, Sarah Lucas and Damien Hirst offers his insights into how to get on in art and the art world.
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![Nathalie Soo, Majestic Landscape]()
Artists
< 8 years ago
Our picks from the A-level Summer Exhibition Online
As the exhibition draws to a close, we asked three RA members of staff to select their highlight.
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![Amber Jane Butchart]()
RA Exhibitions
< 8 years ago
Summer Exhibition Edit: Amber Jane Butchart
We’ve challenged three guest speakers to choose the five works in this year’s Summer Exhibition that intrigue them the most. Fashion historian and DJ Amber Jane Butchart guides us through her favourite works.
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![Will Gompertz]()
RA Exhibitions
< 8 years ago
Summer Exhibition Edit: Will Gompertz
We’ve challenged three guest speakers to choose the five works in this year’s Summer Exhibition that intrigue them the most. BBC’s Arts Editor Will Gompertz attempts to narrow down his top picks from the plethora of works on display.
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![An artwork by Monty Everett]()
Inside the Academy
< 8 years ago
Getting creative with Summer Exhibition art trays
Summer holiday fun for tiny Turners and kid Constables.
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![Susie Allen]()
RA Exhibitions
< 8 years ago
Summer Exhibition Edit: Susie Allen
We’ve challenged three guest speakers to choose the five works in this year’s Summer Exhibition that intrigue them the most. Curator Susie Allen guides us through her picks, which all relate to the concept of space.
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![Summer Exhibition 2014]()
RA Exhibitions
8 years ago
Summer Exhibition 2014: First time exhibitors
Six of the artists from this year’s Summer Exhibitions share their thoughts on being selected for the first time.
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![Bob and Roberta Smith RA in front of his work 'Interview with David Nott by Eddie Mair']()
Artists
8 years ago
Bob and Roberta Smith’s guide to the Summer Exhibition
Art now is more popular than it ever has been. We are in an era where art is at the centre of a public conversation about who we are, and where we want to go.
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![Art Macabre]()
Inside the Academy
8 years ago
Summer comes alive at our Midsummer Night’s Fête
Celebrate the Solstice with the RA. We’ve got blues, burlesque and barnstorming yarns for you at our very special late night event.
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![President of the Royal Academy Christopher Le Brun at the Summer Exhibition prizegiving]()
RA Exhibitions
8 years ago
Summer Exhibition 2014 prizes announced
Wolfgang Tillmans RA announced as winner of the Charles Wollaston award.
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![Summer Exhibition Preview Party 2014]()
RA Exhibitions
8 years ago
Opening the Summer Exhibition in style
The Summer Exhibition Preview Party is one of the most glamorous events in the London calendar - and a major fundraiser for the RA.
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![Cornelia Parker RA]()
RA Exhibitions
8 years ago
An introduction to the 246th Summer Exhibition by Cornelia Parker RA
Cornelia Parker RA explains what’s different about this year’s Summer Exhibition and the inspiration behind her ‘Black and White’ themed room.
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![Non-Members Varnishing Day festivities, Summer Exhibition 2014]()
RA Exhibitions
8 years ago
Varnishing Day at the Summer Exhibition 2014
Celebrating with the artists in this year’s Summer Exhibition.
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![Frederick William Elwell RA, The Royal Academy Selection and Hanging Committee]()
RA Exhibitions
8 years ago
Summer Exhibition 2014: Turning the tables
Can an establishment institution like the Royal Academy be a radical force? As this year’s Summer Exhibition focuses on an influx of newly elected Royal Academicians, Ben Luke puts the question to Members old and new.
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![Members of the Summer Exhibition 2014 Selection and Hanging Committee inspect a work submitted for the exhibition]()
RA Exhibitions
> 8 years ago
Summer Exhibition 2014: Judging
In the second of our behind-the-scenes videos about the RA Summer Exhibition 2014, we take a look at the judging process and speak to the exhibition’s coordinator Hughie O‘Donoghue RA.
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![Artists submit their work]()
RA Exhibitions
> 8 years ago
Artists submit their work for the Summer Exhibition
In the first of our behind-the-scenes videos about the RA Summer Exhibition 2014, we speak to some of the artists submitting their work.
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![El Anatsui, TSIATSIA - searching for connection]()
RA Exhibitions
9 years ago
Summer Exhibition 2013
Behind the scenes with this year’s co-ordinators Norman Ackroyd RA and Eva Jiricna RA.
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![Tess Jaray RA has chosen to hang the walls of the grand Gallery III with small-scale works to showcase emerging talent]()
RA Exhibitions
10 years ago
Summer Exhibition 2012
Now in its 244th year, the Summer Exhibition is the world’s biggest open submission show. Co-ordinator and painter Tess Jaray RA explains why she thinks small is beautiful.
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Meet the 2019 selection and hanging committee
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![Stephen Chambers RA]()
Stephen Chambers RA (b. 1960)
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![Anne Desmet RA]()
Anne Desmet RA (b. 1964)
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![Timothy Hyman RA in his Islington studio]()
Timothy Hyman RA (b. 1946)
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![Jock McFadyen RA]()
Jock McFadyen RA (b. 1950)
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![Hughie O'Donoghue RA]()
Hughie O'Donoghue RA (b. 1953)
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![Barbara Rae RA, 2018]()
Barbara Rae RA (b. 1943)
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![Bob and Roberta Smith RA 'The Secret to a Good Life']()
Bob and Roberta Smith RA (b. 1963)
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![James Hunkin, Richard Wilson RA]()
Richard Wilson RA (b. 1953)
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![Jane & Louise Wilson]()
Jane and Louise Wilson RA (b. 1967)
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![Spencer de Grey]()
Spencer de Grey RA (b. 1944)
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![Stephen Chambers RA, Portrait of SW]()
Stephen Chambers RA, Portrait of SW, 2013.
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![Anne Desmet RA, Olympic Shadows]()
Anne Desmet RA, Olympic Shadows, 2011.
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![Timothy Hyman RA, At Maggie’s: Winter Light]()
Timothy Hyman RA, At Maggie’s: Winter Light, 2012–14.
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![Jock McFadyen, Tate Moss]()
Jock McFadyen, Tate Moss.
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![Hughie O'Donoghue RA, Rioba: Il Papa]()
Hughie O'Donoghue RA, Rioba: Il Papa.
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![Barbara Rae RA, Red Moor]()
Barbara Rae RA, Red Moor.
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![Bob and Roberta Smith, Art Makes Children Powerful]()
Bob and Roberta Smith, Art Makes Children Powerful, 2013.
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![Richard Wilson, Turning the Place Over]()
Richard Wilson, Turning the Place Over, 2008.
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![Jane and Louise Wilson RA, Atomgrad, Nature Abhors a Vacuum]()
Jane and Louise Wilson RA, Atomgrad, Nature Abhors a Vacuum.
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![Spencer de Grey RA, Bridge at Slussen, Stockholm]()
Spencer de Grey RA, Bridge at Slussen, Stockholm.
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