The RWA Secret Postcard Auction is our much loved and hotly anticipated campaign which offers the unique chance to purchase original, large postcard-sized works of art by leading figures from the art world.  

Bidding starts at just £40 allowing everyone the opportunity to take part and a chance to own a work of incredible art.  

Online bidding: Bidding takes place online from Tuesday 20 October and ends on 29 October 2026 at 9:30pm.  

Public Display: Wednesday 21 October – Sunday 1 November. A fantastic opportunity to get a closer look at the mini masterpieces in our free to enter Kenny Gallery 

Autumn After Hours: Thursday 29 October 2026 – an evening of fun plus a final chance to see the postcards.  

Why get involved  

Last year, the Secret Postcard Auction raised an incredible £92,000, helping us to: 

This was only possible thanks to the extraordinary generosity of both the brilliant artists who donate their work and the generous bidders who take part. We no longer receive any regular public funding, so support for campaigns like this is more vital than ever in helping us fulfil our mission: that everyone can foster a lifelong journey with art. 
 
“What makes Secret Postcard so special is seeing this community come together — artists sharing their time and talent, and bidders making that generosity go even further through their support. Bringing all the postcards together in the gallery is a joyful reminder of how many people believe in the RWA and the work we do, and we are always humbled and honoured by that support.” 
Ren Renwick, Director 

The Big Reveal 
We'll publish the names of the artists and the work they created in our newsletter after the auction closes and the postcards have been safely delivered to the lucky winners. If you don't want to miss the Big Reveal, sign up for our newsletter. 

#RWASecretPostcard   

Last year we were supported by the following artists: