RA 2014 Summer Exhibition

The Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition has run uninterrupted since 1769, showcasing the work of professional and amateur artists together in a quintessentially British exhibition. Now in its 246th year, more than 12,000 artists submitted their work for consideration, being whittled down to 1,200 for the final display, featuring work created in a variety of media: painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, architecture and film.

The show mixes pieces from unknown and known artists and starts very nicely with the RA’s Central Hall exhibiting work by newly elected Academicians. Yinka Shonibare’s Cake Man II – which can be yours for only £162,000 – takes centre stage. It’s a glorious life-size mannequin balancing a leaning tower of cakes on its shoulders!

Highlights this year include a black and white room curated by Cornelia Parker, plus works by big name artists and designers such as Thomas Heatherwick and Bob and Roberta Smith.

We loved a couple of fun watercolours, Benedict and Martin, by the actress Una Stubbs, who are her fellow Sherlock stars Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch.

The opportunity for amateurs to show their work alongside some of the most celebrated names from the art world is what makes the display a really amazing one!

Wanna try your luck for next year’s?

Entry will open early in 2015 and for the first round of the selection process all artists must submit digital photographs of their work online. The judges will shortlist up to 4,000 entries to be delivered to the Academy for a second round. Find out more here.

The Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts opened to the public on Monday 9 June and will run until 17 August. Do not miss it!