Art / rwa
King Charles’ watercolours to be displayed at RWA
It would appear his royal duties have not stopped King Charles from pursuing his own creative endeavours.
Two of the king’s very own artworks painted when he was the Prince of Wales have been installed in the main gallery of the RWA as part of its annual open exhibition.
Kilphedir Pool on The River Helmsdale, Sutherland (2015) and Brecon Beacons from Llwynywermod (2016) will hang alongside 580 works by artists from across the country.
is needed now More than ever
According to the Telegraph, the self described ‘enthusiastic amateur’ was well respected in the art world.
He was taught by some of Britain’s finest artists, including John Napper, John Ward, Hugh Casson and Derek Hill, and co-founded the Royal Drawing School in 2000. The two pieces on show are watercolours however, his preferred style.
This isn’t the first time the king has exhibited his own artworks at the RWA’s Annual Open Exhibition. However this will be his first year exhibiting as a reigning monarch.
The king has been painting for nearly 50 years and works exclusively with water colours. His first paintings were exhibited in Windsor Castle in 1977 alongside works from Queen Victoria, herself an avid watercolorist, and the Duke of Edinburgh, whose sketches helped create the stained-glass windows in the Private Chapel of Windsor Castle.
The royal family has played an important role in the RWA’s history. The RWA’s royal status was conferred by King George V in 1913. Royal patronage was continued with Queen Elizabeth II, who visited the galleries in 1999, and Charles has been an honorary academician for the last 14 years.
Alison Bevan, director of the RWA, said: “We are so grateful to King Charles for his royal patronage for many years, and we’re very excited and honoured to be the first place to display his Majesty’s works since he acceded to the throne.
“I believe this kind act by His Majesty recognises the significance of the RWA and the role that we have played for over 150 years in supporting and showcasing world-class art.”
This is the 169th year of the exhibition, making it one of the oldest art exhibitions in the country.
The exhibition opens on Saturday, October 8, and ends on January 8, 2023.
Main photo: Alice Hendy
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