The Federation of British Artists (FBA) is a registered charity, established in 1961, which runs the Mall Galleries in Central London.

Through our continuous programme of exhibitions, the FBA provides a national focal point for contemporary figurative art by living artists working in the UK.  Our aim is to promote and encourage the study and practice of the visual arts by showcasing contemporary works in different media and subject themes; our exhibitions attract both well-established artists as well as emerging talent.

Home to eight of the UK’s leading art societies, all of whom hold their Annual Exhibition at the Mall Galleries, the FBA is a unique national resource comprising over 500 artist members.  The Galleries host several of the UK’s premier open art competitions, including The Threadneedle Prize and the ING Discerning Eye, as well as the popular Originals contemporary printmaking show.  We are also home to the Hesketh Hubbard Art Society, the largest life drawing society in London.

The FBA receives no public funding. Instead, we are entirely reliant for our income on sponsorship, Friends and Membership subscriptions and sales commissions.  The work for sale benefits artists and visitors alike; we also operate a successful Commissions Service that helps people find the right artist when they wish to commission a special work of art.

We place great importance on our educational activities as a means to expand the visual arts audience.  Our programmes use our exhibitions as inspiration to reach out to children and young adults who face disabilities or other challenges.


Registered Charity Number 200048
Company Reg No 683275
VAT Reg No 240 4847 72