The Society of Women Artists 162nd exhibition 

Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make our 162nd annual exhibition such a tremendous success.

We had what we think was a record number of visitors.  On the Tuesday (at the YPAI guest evening) the gallery staff had to keep people queuing outside when the gallery reached capacity - they had to click people out before they could let more in!

We also sold more works in the exhibition (a greater number of works with a greater overall value) than we have for several years.  And the exhibition is still online.

We were delighted to be able to welcome back our much-loved and loyal patron Princess Michael of Kent who officiated at our Award Ceremony.  This year we were fortunate enough to gain two new award-sponsors which enabled us to offer sixteen awards, with a total value of £7,000 including the popular Visitors’ Choice Award.

We had three busy and buzzy guest evenings and, on each of the open days, one of our members offered a half-day demonstration of her individual practice. Thank you to Andie Clay, Catherine Beale, Michele Ashby, Janette Summerfield and Cathy Read for these.

The texture of the exhibition was enhanced by the packs of playing cards, designed by fifty-four of our members, which we had on sale   -   and the now traditional, and wonderful, album of small original artworks which we sold raffle tickets for throughout the week.

And the main exhibition was a truly wonderful collection of 488 works which came together very well.  The quality and rich diversity of the work was much commented on.

Everything about the week leaves us optimistic about building on this year’s success for another exciting exhibition in June 2024.  More news about this to follow in the ensuing months.  We very much look forward to seeing you all there!