The UK’s best-loved art show - the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition - has been and gone for another year. It's a summer must-visit in London (I've attended every year for over a decade) and it's been held every year since 1769, evolving to showcase a diverse array of mediums, topics and artists. Featuring an eclectic mix of over 1,700 pieces of contemporary work from both celebrated artists and members of the public - it's the oldest open submission exhibition in the world - prints sit alongside paintings, large-scale installations, films, photography, sculpture, and architectural works.
Each year a Royal Academician coordinates the show - this year's selection was chosen by architect Farshid Moussavi RA with her Summer Exhibition committee, and here are 14 of my highlights. I was clearly in a happy, summery mood, looking at the playful, vibrant colours. See you next summer!
Rachel Barber, HOPE - Monotype print, Catalogue no. 90
Andrew Graves, DREAMS - Oil painting on linen, Catalogue no. 535
Jock McFadyen RA, WESTHAVEN 2 - Digital print with hand painting, Catalogue no. 1375
David Remfry RA, UNANSWERED CALLS FROM UTOPIA - Oil painting, Catalogue no. 238
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Ashley Hanson, PORTHLEVEN 78 (FOR STASS) - Oil painting, Catalogue no. 113
Sarah Muir Poland, THE COMMITTEE - Oil painting, Catalogue no. 659
The Royal Academy of Art's Summer Exhibition ran from 17 June - 17 August 2025 | Main Galleries at Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD
