Bath Society of Artists exhibition to return to the Victoria Art Gallery

One of Bath’s longest-running art exhibitions will return to the Victoria Art Gallery this autumn, bringing together work by established and emerging artists from across the country.

The Muse | Image © Rosalind Robinson

The Bath Society of Artists Annual Open Exhibition will run from 19th September to 7th November 2026 and will feature painting, printmaking, sculpture and mixed media.

Works are selected through an open submission process, meaning the exhibition changes each year and introduces visitors to a fresh range of artists and styles.

This year’s invited artist is acclaimed British painter and printmaker Basil Beattie RA, who was at the forefront of Abstract Expressionism in the UK during the mid-20th century.

Beattie, who continues to work today, is known for gestural pieces using earthy tones, architectural forms, symbols and hieroglyphic elements. In 2007, he was given a dedicated room at Tate Britain.

Geoff Shillito, chair of the Bath Society of Artists, said: “The Bath Society of Artists’ 121st Annual Open Exhibition encompasses the talents of highly respected local, regional, and national artist members, together with aspiring non-members waiting to surprise and delight audiences.

“Every year, the Society aims to showcase the work of an invited artist, and this year is no exception, as we are proud and delighted to welcome internationally acclaimed painter and printmaker Basil Beattie RA.

“This exciting show reflects the extraordinary quality, ambition and breadth of contemporary art being produced today.”

Guest selectors Claire Todd, artist curator at Pound Arts, and Tom Waugh RWA MRSS will join the 2D and 3D selection panels respectively.

Prize judges will include Heather Jane Wallace MA (Fine Arts), founder and director of Heritage Courtyard Gallery and Studios, and Ros Cuthbert MA (RCA) RWA.

Many works in the exhibition will be available to buy, while visitors will also be able to vote for their favourite piece in the Public Choice Prize.

The exhibition offers £5,500 in cash prizes and more than £800 in vouchers for participating artists.

Councillor Kevin Guy, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “The Bath Society of Artists Open Exhibition is a much-loved part of Bath’s cultural life, bringing together artists, residents and visitors in one of the city’s most beautiful galleries.

“We look forward to welcoming audiences to another inspiring exhibition this autumn.”

The Bath Society of Artists was founded in 1904 by 26 artists and now has around 125 members.

Over more than 120 years, its annual exhibition has featured and attracted the interest of prominent British artists including Walter Sickert, John Singer Sargent, Philip Wilson Steer, Gilbert Spencer, Patrick Heron, Mary Fedden, William Scott and David Inshaw.