I have often walked past the Mall Galleries but never been inside so was delighted when a friend suggested we visit. Tickets to the Royal Society of Portrait Painters 2026 Exhibition were just seven pounds which was an absolute bargain. The galleries are a few minutes walk from Charing Cross. We were so fortunate that our arrival coincided exactly with the parade for the State Opening of Parliament. We had the best view from the front looking down the Mall towards Buckingham Palace, the rain was pouring and we were absolutely freezing but there was such a happy atmosphere with the band playing. It was a bit surreal to see a carriage go by with the royal mace sticking out of it like a delivery truck with an ironing board hanging out of the window.

Much of the work at the gallery is for sale, if I had a spare five thousand pounds I would have loved to have bought Tess is Reading (below)by David Orrin Smith or even commissioned him to paint a portrait of my own daughter. The  Royal Society of Portrait Painters does offer a commission service

There were portraits of so many different styles and mediums on display including many by Chinese artists from Shengxinyu Art, in fact these were some of my favourites. The pieces on display are selected by a jury of artists. Some have won the 2026 award Royal Society of Portrait Painters awards.

Below is a portrait of Professor Ranee Thakar by Alastair Adams. Initially I thought this was a photograph, the detail is incredible.

Below: Ladyswood by Richard Foster. How wonderful to have a family portrait like this. I am not sure who is the mother and who is the daughter though.

Below: Self-Portrait in Lockdown by Paul Newton, painted by the artist during the Covid epidemic he looks thoughtful and rather sad.

Below: The Distance – also known as Departure for Malta by Jing An Look at the ay the silver bangles are painted, it is incredibly detailed.

I took lots of photos as my dad is actually a very accomplished painter, of landscapes rather than portraits and I knew he’d be interested to see the different works.

If I am every in a position to invest in some art the Mall Galleries would be my first stop, you can view what they have for sale on their website. I have signed up to be notified of future exhibitions at the Mall Galleries and am already looking forward to my next visit.

Thank you for reading

Samantha