There are some things in this country that are quintessentially British and come around on the annual calendar with seemingly ever increasing speed – The Royal Garden Parties, for instance, Wimbledon lawn tennis and the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy.
The latter opened for this summer season last week, so on Sunday we toddled off to London to take a look. Arriving at Burlington House in Piccadilly, flags heralded the celebrated event. The first exhibit can be seen through the open gates to the courtyard. A massive steel structure consisting of different sized tetrahedrons welded together, this sculpture by Conrad Shawcross is entitled “The Dappled Light of the Sun,” which is all very well but as we wandered underneath this colossal skeleton on an overcast morning, the artist’s intention I feel was all but lost.
The Summer Exhibition is the largest open submission exhibition in the world and has been staged by the Royal Academy every year since 1769 without interruption. It provides an unrivalled platform for established and emerging artists to display and sell their work. The Academy takes a commission from every work sold and this, together with ticket sales for the event, go towards funding post-graduates at the RA Schools.
The RA Schools was founded in 1769, and remains independent. This enables the Schools to offer the only three-year postgraduate programme in Europe. The pluralisation comes about because when it was first founded, students were required to master a number of different artistic elements in a particular order. Each element was known as a separate ‘School’. Today The RA is more flexible in its expectation but the original name has stuck.
There are around one thousand pieces on display, each having been through an arduous selection procedure, the first of which is done digitally on-line. If the artist is fortunate enough to go through to the next round, their artwork is put before a selection panel consisting of Royal Academicians.
Art work is priced from £100 to nearly £100,000 – and many of the exhibits were already sporting a red dot, signifying its ‘sold’ status. I loved this tongue-in-cheek work by Cornelia Parker – and the fact that it had got through the selection process. Just shows that artists have a sense of humour. I wonder who bought it though.
Upon entry you get given a little ‘List of Works’ handbook containing the artists’ names, titles and prices of their work. I thought it would be entertaining to waft around, pick out the pieces I liked and check the provenance afterwards. Interestingly, most of the paintings I picked were by known contemporary artists which probably says more about me than the state of British modern art but there you go.
So here are a few of my chosen miscellany, sporting titles only. See if you can pick out the most and least expensive of my selection.
The show this year was curated by Michael Craig-Martin, a Royal Academician. His vision to paint the walls of one of the largest rooms a bright pink may shock some but I think it brought the hung paintings alive and complemented the gilding on the ceiling, showing off the classical architecture of this building in an innovative way. The Central Hall was also painted in a vivid peacock turquoise which looked opulent and fantastic.

Wonderful pink walls. Those neon bubbles are by Michael Landy and are one of the few items not for sale.
In previous years the exhibits have been crowded together, almost jostling for position creating a chaotic, busy sensation. This year the whole effect is of calm but stylish order and while ideally I’d like the gallery to myself, by going early we avoided the crowds.
The Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy runs until the 16 August and is open every day from 10am till 6pm.
Very interesting post Jenny; you sure do follow art and know your stuff. I still haven’t even been to the National Gallery yet I’m such a Philestine! Although I am considering going to the Watts gallery, following your post (plus they have reduced tickets on Groupon at the moment!)
Thanks Kay. Just think what treasures await – you have all that discovering to do for the first time. I’m quite envious actually! Definitely try to get to the Watts Gallery – the house, Limnerslease is opening soon too so well worth a trip.
Jenny,
I’m confused by the RA web site. I see that tickets are timed at 30min intervals throughout the day. Is there a limit regarding how long one may stay at the exhibition? I can’t find an answer to that question anywhere on the site. Having been there, can you enlighten me?
Terry.
Ah, the dreaded timed ticket. It’s an odd arrangement but I’ve encountered it at the National and the Two London Tates as well as the RA. You buy your timed slot which is flexible half an hour each way, so if your train is delayed for instance or you get there early, there really isn’t a problem. Now, the next bit is even odder. Once you’re inside the exhibition you can stay as long as you like.. the first time I did this I was expecting some sort of signal or something to tell me my time was up (a bit like the swimming bath system), but no, nothing. As far as I can tell, you could stay there for the rest of the day – and judging by some of the crowding I’ve experienced, I reckon some people do just that.
My advice is to get there either early in the day or later in the afternoon to avoid the worst of the crowds. The only advantage to buying a timed ticket as far as I can see is that you don’t then have to queue.
A full and very helpful answer. Thanks, J.
Very cool. I love art exhibitions, although I must admit I don’t generally understand modern art. My favorite is impressionism, and we have quite a collection at the Art Institute here in Chicago. I’m going to guess Colony-January was the most expensive piece, and This old house dreams is the least expensive. Just going with my gut.
Your gut feeling is almost on target but I won’t let on just yet. We’ve just had a wonderful Impressionist exhibition here at our National Gallery – I love them too. How lovely that you have a collection there in Chicago. I believe your Gallery hosts a very good selection across the board – it’s often mentioned in art books I browse through😊
I’m intrigued to know I’m almost on target with my guesses. I shall wait to hear the results!
I actually feel quite emotional seeing pictures of the RA in its summer exhibition phase. It was one of the first things I visited and blogged about in my quest to become more outward looking, and there’s something so inherently summery about it, and there’s something about the fact that my daughter loves it too, and your pictures are so lovely!
Thanks Denise. Perhaps I’ve nudged you and LD to take a return visit! It definitely is one of those events that heralds the British Summer and it’s great to make the most of it especially as our summers are so short…
It’s hard to realise that summer is on us so soon. Wimbledon being a week later feels quite odd for a start – it’s always been a June thing!
Most contemporary art leaves me cold – I so often am left feeling the artist is being ‘clever’. However I really like [in no particular order] the old house dreams it is still there; Mississippi River Blues and Afternoon Skaters – and the pink wall, And on reflection, the old house is the one I would purchase if I could – which means it is probably the most expensive!
Thank you for that little tour Jenny, it was a lovely reminder of London in Summertime 🙂
PS Can you send me your address please, I have mittens ready for sending.
Ooh, thank you Pauline, will do.
Glad you liked some of my selection, I’m not telling yet which was the most expensive. The house picture appealed to me because it might spark off so many stories … it could actually get the creative writing brain going, you never know.
Funny, of all my college courses, I did the worst in art history. However, growing up in the Washington D.C. area, one of my favorite museums was the National Gallery of Art.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos, Jenny. I love the old house painting. As for Stolen Thunder III…it gives me hope of being a discovered artist one day.
Yes Jill, get ready with your coloured dots 😄
That house picture appeals to the writer in you, I think. What tales could be told … perhaps I should start off one of those challenges – flash fiction – only 300 words or less?
Exactly!
Enjoyed your history and tour Jenny. I go for Flower window as most and dreamy house as least
Answers to be revealed at the end of the week!
I loved the house picture too – probably for the same reason. You are the second person to tell me it is a great show, so I will make every effort to go this year. Lunch afterwards in Shepherds’ Market – another very atmospheric place to stir the imagination.
Oh yes definitely, that sounds like a perfect day out. I thought the exhibition this year was much better than those I’ve been to before. I’d still recommend getting there early though.
I have been fascinated by good art pieces though not being formally educated in its nuances, sometimes fail to note the highlights.
About seven years back, my fascination led me to invest a sizable amount of money in a contemporary art fund. I now realise how difficult it is to put a value to good art, an aspect which can lead to significant miscalculations and losses.
Shakti
The real question is – what is good art? Is it that which had already been given a monetary value or is it that which gives us pleasure regardless of the cost? I wouldn’t buy anything that I couldn’t hang on my wall and enjoy – if it increased in value over time that would be a bonus. I don’t see the point in investing in something so visual just for the sake of it. You’d probably be better off buying gold bars and keeping them locked away in a safe deposit.
“Stolen Thunder” and “The Old House Still Dreams it is There” captured my imagination, Jenny. What a wonderful post–you could be a promoter!–and all your pictures were great.
That house is certainly drawing in all of us writers here!
And as for promoting – I can’t help it – I worked in publicity for over 15 years – old habits die hard!
Thanks Marylin
Colony-January is wonderful! You’ve indicated already that it’s the most expensive so I won’t do a guess. I love the flow and colours. It’s cool but also doesn’t remind me much of January. 🙂
A wonderful post. Thanks for sharing your visit. Good to read you again. 🙂
I could’ve course be misleading you on purpose. Thanks for taking the tour with me – always a pleasure 😃
Commenting before I read any others: I’d pay the most for Afternoon Skaters; and least for Mississippi River Blues. But I don’t get to set the prices.
Question? Who does get to set art prices?
Awesome article. Fun read. Thanks!
Aha, a very good question and one that could spark off endless debate. I’m hoping an artist friend might see this and let us know her thoughts. Wouldn’t it be great if we, the customers, could set our own prices? Now, that would be fun!
The customer gets to set the price in an auction. The artist gets to set any price she wants, but if she prices too high, she won’t sell the piece. The art critic influences how much the customer is willing to pay, and therefore how much the artist will ask. (But I think the art critic has too much influence.)
You will laugh but my favorite painting is “Colony,” because there are doves or seagulls flying through and my apartment has many white walls decorated in bright colored paintings by my brother and oldest daughter. It would fit right in!
I would have loved to see the sun glinting off the many sides of the copper structure. I am one who would have liked this sculpture if it were shiny, that is!
I liked the house that dreamed and the afternoon skaters, for great paintings which are traditional, of sorts.
I will check back to find out which painting is the most expensive, but don’t the artists get to choose the cost? This was a great question by Tracy (above me) 🙂
The pink walls, along with the turquoise entry walls would be most lovely to set off the paintings. This was a great way to introduce this annual ‘affair’ to me, who has never been to England, though I would like to someday. (My Dad’s side of the family is half English and half Scottish. King Phillip and King Bruce are in some kind of a line-up but I am sure we are nothing but trickled down commoners! ha ha!)
You’re right, that painting would look good on a white wall. I love the vibrancy of the colours in it and didn’t even notice the seagulls on my first look.
Sunlight through that massive sculpture in the courtyard would definitely look spectacular, especially as the pathway underneath is constructed of old cobbled flagstones, so there would be an ever changing artwork at your feet.
If you ever do visit, I’d recommend the early summertime – before the hoards arrive – and while everything is looking fresh for the tourist onslaught!
I’ve no real feeling for art Jenny (I’d be like a child moaning ‘Mum I’m bored’) but I’m drawn to a bit of mystery and I love ‘The old house dreams…’
Ah yes – sadly I’m familiar with that lament when it comes to art galleries!
The old house dreams … is proving to be a hit with the writers who pop in here 😊
I love to wander thru art galleries. When we go to Vegas, there is one we visit and we take advantage of the self-guided audio tour as well. It’s a wonderful way to learn more about the story behind the art and about the artists. Jenny, thank you for sharing these.
Above, The Colony is very colorful. So is the Flower Window. I can see why ‘the old house dreams it is still there’ would captive people’s imagination. To me, that’s what art is all about. Putting yourself in the scene. When I see Monet’s water lillies or the bridge that spans his ‘pond,’ I want to be there. It is so calming. 😉
I’m going to make you very envious, Judy. I have stood on Monet’s Japanese Bridge looking down at his famous water lilies in his garden at Giverney, Normandy. It’s a wonderful place to visit if you’re able to hit it without too many other tourists. Absolutely magical. I love Monet and all the other Impressionists and it really brings them close when there are places like this to visit.
Jenny … My family and I stood on Monet’s Japanese bridge in 2013. We’d been there a few years earlier. I posted some photos of it on my blog. It is a memorable sight and I’m glad you got to enjoy that postcard-perfect moment, too.
It’s just wonderful, isn’t it?
I’ve never been to the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy to my shame. I did just read your previous conversation with Judy and visiting Monet’s garden at Giverney would be a dream come true for me. His ‘Water Lilies’ is my life-long favourite painting 🙂 I have learnt so much about the arts through you Jenny, but I am no art critic or expert by any means. I can’t wait to read your big reveal. I love the ‘Old House’ and all it speaks to me, but hazzarding a wild guess, I would say the Mississippi River Blues is the most expensive? Reading on…
You’re too kind. I’ve had a thought though … you might be able to fit Giverney in on your way to the Loire.
The old house painting has sparked so many imaginations I’m thinking of running a competition! Seems like many of us follow the same creative thought process.
Just popping over to the reveal now to get your thoughts …
Oh wow! I didn’t think of that! Thanks Jenny, I’ll definitely look into that possibility. Oh I’m excited at just the very prospect!
Oooh…now I’m intrigued, a competition! Can’t wait to hear more…
LOL–I cheated and read the next post first. I would have been quite wrong, though.
Haha! You would not be alone with that thought!
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