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Royal Watercolour Society

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Royal Watercolour Society

The oldest watercolour Society in the world with Member artists producing artworks in any and all water based media on paper

The Royal Watercolour Society represents the finest watercolour painting in Britain; it is the oldest watercolour society in the world, established in 1804. Members' work embraces both established and experimental practices and the exhibitions reflect these different approaches. The RWS has defined 'a watercolour' to mean 'a painting in a water-based medium on a paper-based support'. This definiti

on allows a vast range of work of infinite variety. RWS Exhibitions are held twice a year at Bankside Gallery – the home of the Royal Watercolour Society, in the spring and autumn. The RWS also exhibits jointly with the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers (RE) in the summer and at Christmas.

20/06/2026

🎡 Last weekend to visit London Calling 🎡 at Bankside Gallery!

Don't miss your chance to see this vibrant celebration of the capital before the exhibition closes.

Featuring works by Members of the Royal Watercolour Society and the Royal Society of Printmakers, this exhibition captures London's landmarks, stories, and everyday charm.

London Calling
RWS & RE
Bankside Gallery
5th - 21st June 2026
Gallery opening hours: Daily | 11 - 6pm

Bankside I
by Mark Raggett RWS
watercolour & graphite
36 x 25cm

For all enquiries, please contact [email protected]

18/06/2026

Waiting For Visitors, Vauxhall City Farm
by Gertie Young RWS
gouache, pencil & collage
39 x 39cm

Artwork exhibited as part of London Calling
RWS & RE
Bankside Gallery
5th - 21st June 2026
Gallery opening hours: Daily | 11 - 6pm

For all enquiries, please contact [email protected]

17/06/2026

There are only a few days left to visit 🎡 London Calling 🎡 at Bankside Gallery!

From iconic landmarks to overlooked corners, bustling streets to quiet moments, this exhibition brings together works by artists of the Royal Watercolour Society and Royal Society of Printmakers inspired by the spirit of London.

Through water-based media and printmaking, the artists capture London's distinctive character and energy, offering new perspectives on the capital and its many layers.

London Calling
RWS & RE
Bankside Gallery
5th - 21st June 2026
Gallery opening hours: Daily | 11 - 6pm

Unnatural Habitat
by Myrtle Glanville Guest RWS
ink
44.5 x 32cm

For all enquiries, please contact [email protected]

16/06/2026

Last week our artist Members Olivia O'Sullivan and Davina Jackson led a workshop for 15 year old students at Bankside Gallery.

The students were encouraged to create their own paintings in response to their favourite works in the RWS's current exhibition, London Calling.

It was wonderful to see the students exploring the exhibition, sharing their ideas, and translating their impressions into their own creative work 🎨✨

11/06/2026

🎡 LONDON CALLING 🎡

This June, visit Bankside Gallery for a celebration of the city we love.

Featuring works by members of the Royal Watercolour Society and the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers, this exhibition captures London's landmarks, stories, and everyday charm. Perfect for adding a little art to your summer stroll along the Thames ☀️

London Calling
RWS & RE
Bankside Gallery
5th - 21st June 2026
Gallery opening hours: Daily | 11 - 6pm

For all enquiries, please contact [email protected]

07/06/2026

🎡 LONDON CALLING 🎡 is now open at Bankside Gallery!

London Calling brings together a range of works by artists of the Royal Watercolour Society and Royal Society of Printmakers, each capturing the spirit of our beautiful city.

From celebrated landmarks and striking architecture to historical events and glimpses of everyday life, the exhibition highlights London’s unique character.

London Calling
RWS & RE
Bankside Gallery
5th - 21st June 2026
Gallery opening hours: Daily | 11 - 6pm

Urban: Hythe Road
by Chloe Fremantle RWS
gouache
49.5 x 70.5cm

For all enquiries, please contact [email protected]

05/06/2026

Modupeola Fadugba’s solo exhibition, The Chemistry of Water, opens today at RWS Gallery.

This special exhibition, presented throughout the gallery, extends the RWS’s ongoing exploration of contemporary water-media practice and centres Fadugba’s deep engagement with materiality.

In this stunning exhibition, the visitor is taken on a journey through the many behaviours of water — how it flows, absorbs, resists, reflects, and transforms. Through layered acrylics, scorched surfaces, intricate beadwork, and resist techniques, Fadugba pushes water-based media beyond its traditional boundaries, treating water not simply as a medium but as an active force.

Running 5 - 27 June, 2026
RWS Gallery
Gallery opening hours: Tues - Sat | 11 - 5pm
*Except open 11am - 5pm on Sunday 7th June and closed on Tuesday 16th June

For all enquiries, please contact [email protected]

03/06/2026

🎡 LONDON CALLING 🎡 opens at Bankside Gallery this Friday, 5th June!

From iconic landmarks to overlooked corners, bustling streets to quiet moments, this exhibition brings together works by artists of the Royal Watercolour Society and Royal Society of Printmakers inspired by the spirit of London.

Through water-based media and printmaking, the artists capture London's distinctive character and energy, offering new perspectives on the capital and its many layers.

London Calling
RWS & RE
Bankside Gallery
5th - 21st June 2026
Gallery opening hours: Daily | 11 - 6pm

Morning Fresh, St James, London
by Sue Howells RWS
watercolour

For all enquiries, please contact [email protected]

01/06/2026

Missed the chance to visit Royal Watercolour Society at the RWS Gallery?

The exhibition may be paused throughout June, but the works remain available to view online via our website. Explore a wide variety of original works on paper by our talented RWS Members, featuring watercolour, gouache, acrylic, and much more.

🔗 View works online via our website

For all sales enquiries, please contact [email protected]

Red Balcony Study, Valletta Malta
by Peter Quinn RWS
watercolour
40 x 30cm
£650 Framed

29/05/2026

Thank you to everyone who visited Royal Watercolour Society at the RWS Gallery over the last few weeks!

It’s been wonderful welcoming both new and familiar faces to the gallery and sharing this exhibition with you all. We’re so grateful for the conversations, support, and enthusiasm throughout the show.

The exhibition will now pause for the month of June as we welcome a solo exhibition by Modupeola Fadugba to the gallery. We’re excited to host this special presentation and encourage you to visit during its run.

Royal Watercolour Society will return from July 11th with a refreshed exhibition and many new works on display.

Address

RWS Gallery
London
WC2H7HA

Opening Hours

Tuesday	11am - 5pm
Wednesday	11am - 5pm
Thursday	11am - 5pm
Friday	11am - 5pm
Saturday	11am - 5pm

Telephone

+442079287521

Website

http://www.royalwatercoloursociety.co.uk/

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