Royal Academy of Art Varnishing Day 2026
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2026 ✨
The agony and the ecstasy.
Varnishing Day at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition is always a beautiful occasion — even when it rains, as it did this year.
For me, it’s an annual gamble. An exercise in hope.
The submission process is never without its stresses: choosing the work, getting everything right, then waiting and wondering. That’s the agony. The ecstasy comes when that acceptance email finally lands in your inbox.
A wonderful day celebrating art, artists, and the privilege of being part of this extraordinary exhibition.
My work selected; ‘Clocking In’
Carborundum, drypoint and monotype; 28 x 42 cm. Edition 30
This Year’s Theme; ‘Interconnectedness’
Varnishing Day at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition was full of energy, excitement and wonderful reunions. I was delighted to see my piece, ‘Clocking In’, hanging in Room IX, beautifully placed amongst so many inspiring works.
Many thanks to Eileen Cooper RA and Katherine Jones RA for their thoughtful curation, and to Ryan Gander RA for this year’s theme, ‘Interconnectedness’, which runs through such a vibrant and diverse exhibition.
