Royal Society of Portrait Painters | Annual Exhibition 2026
- - 10am to 5pm | North, West and East Galleries
Admission £6, Free for Friends of Mall Galleries and under 25s. Concessions available. No booking required.
The Society’s Annual Open Exhibition is probably the largest and most significant celebration of contemporary portrait painting in Europe
The Royal Society of Portrait Painters invites you to the RP Annual Exhibition 2026.
Promoting artistic excellence in portraiture, this annual exhibition is the leading portrait painting showcase in the country. Alongside members of the Society, emerging and established artists - both national and international - present a great breadth of approaches to portraiture.
Expect intimate moments from daily life, as well as high-profile commissions of public figures.
About the Exhibition
Led by Artists
The show is always selected by a jury of practising portrait painters, no critics, no journalists, no celebrities – just painters.
Open for Entries
Artists are invited to submit work for exhibition alongside members of the Society at the RP Annual Exhibition. Entry Deadline: 3 February 2026.
Prizes & Awards
The exhibition presents prizes and awards worth £35,000, including The William Lock Portrait Prize (£20,000).
Commissions Service
The Society offers a personal service to help those thinking of commissioning a portrait.
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.