Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours | 213th Exhibition
- - 10am to 5pm | North, East & West Galleries
Admission £6, Free for Friends of Mall Galleries and under 25s. Concessions available. No booking required.
Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours | 213th Exhibition
The annual exhibition of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours attracts great interest from both artists and the public because it is the premier showcase for watercolour and watermedia painting worldwide.
The RI 213th Exhibition, in Spring 2025, will include works by members as well as those selected from around 2,000 open submissions. "It will feature a variety of styles, as we always ensure that innovative techniques are included alongside the more traditional," says the Institute.

While sales at the exhibition perform well - with buyers eager to take home high-quality works at affordable prices - it is not the only objective. "It is important to keep the public alive to the range of contemporary water-based media. It is also important that we encourage artists to keep learning, to raise standards, to try new techniques, to share ideas and inspiration. It is this that transforms the exhibition from a show of work into an invigorating, stimulating and enlightening event."
Video | RI 213th Exhibition
Special Events
A public programme will accompany the exhibition. This includes two special events, on 1 April, sponsored by Winsor & Newton:
A Celebration of Watercolour | Tuesday 1 April, 2pm to 5pm
Winsor & Newton is offering the opportunity to see the chemistry behind how watercolour paint is made and will be displaying some historic material from the Winsor & Newton archive. There will also be the opportunity to see some of the latest innovations from their product range.
Free with gallery admission, no booking required.
RI Art Event Evening | Tuesday 1 April, 6pm to 8:30pm
An opportunity to paint in watercolour with RI members ‘after hours’. Tickets include refreshments, wine, and prizes!
What to Expect:
5:30pm: Doors
6pm: Artists commence painting from two clothed portrait models or a still life arrangement
7pm: A short break for complimentary refreshments, including a glass of wine
7:15pm: Painting resumes
8:15pm: Judging commences, after which the winner and runners-up will be declared
Participants should bring their own paper and art materials. Easels and boards will be provided on a 'first come, first served' basis, therefore artists are encouraged to bring small, portable easels if possible.
Tickets £12, £10 to spectate.
Become a Friend
To receive free admission to the exhibition for you and a guest, an invitation to the Private View, plus other benefits, join as a Friend of Mall Galleries.
Banner image by Hannah Woodman RI