RWA Press Releases
RWA Press Releases
For further press release information, latest news, or if you require press images please contact:
Kate Morgan, Marketing Officer at the RWA.
e-mail: info@rwa.org.uk
Tel: 0117 973 5129
156 Autumn Exhibition
26th October – 14th December 2008
The RWA’s most popular show of the year rides again this autumn with a multitude of magnificent artworks. Running now for 156 years, the Autumn Exhibition is certainly a key event in many art-lovers diaries. Up to 2000 works are submitted to this open show by professionals and amateurs alike. These are sifted down to just over 600 works which means the very best of painting, sculpture, printmaking, architecture and photography are to be shown in the splendid RWA galleries this autumn.
Highlights this year include a magnificent abstract from invited artist John Hoyland RA Hon RWA, and a beautiful watercolour by HRH The Prince of Wales. A life-size violinist by Terry Wall stands tall as you enter the gallery provoking a slightly eerie feeling of being watched, whilst Jason Lane’s ever-loveable creatures made of scrap metal are sure to make visitors smile. Another sculpture that stands out this year is by Alan Dun, a bust of Somerset’s Henry John “Harry” Patch, who at the age of 110 is the second-oldest living man in the UK. He was the last British soldier to have fought in the trenches of the Western Front during the First World War, and one of two overall remaining. This sculpture stands as a fitting reminder of this miraculous man.
Other works to look out for include ‘Aardman in Plasticine’ by Bristol’s Vincent Brown, frequent exhibitor at the RWA and the BP Portrait Award, who is displaying a unique portrait of the co-founders and animators of Aardman fittingly done in plasticine on acrylic. ‘Nightmare’ by Kerry Phippen, a huge drawing of a horse in bed, proves that humour is never far away in this exhibition. There has been an influx of photography this year (after the hugely successful Open Photography exhibition held this summer) as well as a large number of prints. Tiny print works by Brian Hanscomb, Michael Hodder and Lucy Brett all draw the viewer into their minute and intricate worlds.
This show is an ideal place to find an original piece of art to suit your taste. The majority of works are for sale and prices start from under £100. Artwork is available for sale through the Arts Council England’s ‘Own Art’ purchase scheme which offers interest-free credit on the purchase of arts and crafts up to the value of £2000. For the first time the RWA is offering one free day per exhibition. Admission will therefore be free on Saturday 15th November.
Editor’s notes :
Press Preview : Thursday 23rd October 6-8pm, by appointment
Private View : Saturday 25th October
Gallery Opening Times :10am - 5.30pm (Mon-Sat), 2-5pm (Sun)
Admission Fees : £4 adults, £2.50 concessions, U16 Free
For images and further information please contact:
Kate Morgan, RWA Marketing Officer Tel: 0117 9735129
email: Kate.Morgan@rwa.org.uk