Explorations in Paint Exhibition at Petworth House
Explorations in Paint, a specially curated exhibition from the Royal Academy of Arts, features artworks not previously lent by the Royal Academy and a new work never before exhibited by Rebecca Salter PRA.
6 March – 24 September 2023.
For over 250 years the Royal Academy of Arts has championed art and artists. Founded in 1768, it is led by Royal Academicians, practising artists elected by their peers in recognition of their work. It is home to Britain’s longest-established art school, the RA Schools.
Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792), the founding President of the Royal Academy, was fascinated by the physical properties of paint, and often experimented with different mixtures in his studio.
Included in the exhibition is Reynolds' ‘Studio Experiments’ - taking this as a starting point, this exhibition brings together artworks by current and recent Royal Academicians, all exploring the possibilities of paint and its expressive potential.
Many of the artworks on display hold special significance for the artists, as the ‘Diploma Works’ that they chose to present to the Royal Academy following their election as Royal Academicians.
The show features artworks by Sir Frank Bowling, Gillian Ayres, Ian McKeever, Barbara Rae, Sean Scully, Tess Jaray, John Hoyland and Rebecca Salter, the current president of the Royal Academy.
This show has been specially curated for the National Trust the Royal Academy Collections team.
The exhibition will provide a focal point for the 2023 programming at Petworth House, and across the National Trust, celebrating the legacy of Joshua Reynolds (1723-92) in the 300th anniversary year of his birth. Reynolds was the leading portrait painter of his day and first President of the Royal Academy.
The exhibition will be open 6 March - 24 September 10.30-16.00, normal admission applies.