Royal Society of Portrait Painters Annual Exhibition 2026

7 May-16 May 2026

Portrait of the Actress Joanna Vanderham as Diana Mitford. Credit: David Caldwell RP, Portrait of the Actress Joanna Vanderham as Diana Mitford

Overview

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. 

The exhibition presents prizes and awards worth over £40,000, including The William Lock Portrait Prize (£20,000) for the most timeless portrait with a real feeling for paint and its aesthetic potential.