Highlights of the RA’s Summer Exhibition with Kids

For 250 years, UK artists of all genres and abilities have had the opportunity to display their work at the Royal Academy of Arts’ Summer Exhibition in London. The result is an eclectic mix of established artists alongside first time exhibiters. This year’s collection has been curated by Turner-winning artist Greyson Perry. The best bit about the exhibition? All the artwork is for sale.

Each piece is anonymously hung, meaning you can initially view without knowing whether its a novice artist or the work of a celebrated British artist. David Hockney, Tracey Emin and Perry himself are among the household names who have work in this year’s Summer Exhibition.

You refer to a booklet, to find out whether you’ve guessed right: amateur or professional. It’s quite a fun game. A group of school children enjoyed playing it, exclaiming loudly as they viewed some the prices. A selection of the artwork is just a few hundred pounds. Others, tens of thousands of pounds. Those which have a red sticker by them, have been sold.

This year was my first time inside the Summer Exhibition held in Burlington House off London’s Piccadilly. With two friends in tow and Cheeky (2 years old), we entered with an open mind.

This year’s 250th collection is billed as the biggest ever with over 1,200 pieces. They are spread throughout the opulent building. Before you walk in, Anish Kapoor’s huge sculpture adorns the courtyard.

The exhibition was busy when we arrived so I’m glad I left the buggy by the cloakroom desk. It saved me navigating through the sculptures (and crowds).

Cheeky seemed to enjoy looking around. She had her favourites – and I had mine. Most of hers involved animals. Take this dog, for example. Its embellished coat was irresistible to touch. The costume jewellery embedded in the sculpture by Timothy Blewitt were a particular hit.

She also loved this donkey. I had to go back into the room as she kept repeating “donkey” so I let her have another look. I checked the price and it seems she has expensive tastes. ‘Donkey in the Distance’ by Annie Whiles is £45,000.

Another piece which caught her eye (and mine) was this row of Sooty’s. “Teddies!” she exclaimed.

The painting below also caught Cheeky’s attention. There was something about the colours which drew me to it as well.

The Summer Exhibition covered the usual themes you expect from the art world. I saw a number of Kim Jung Un paintings amongst the political pieces and there were a few environmental works about the plastics issue.

The large piece below is a show stopper. Upon closer inspection, we saw it was made from aluminium and copper bottle tops. The hand-sewn sculpture ‘Change in Fortune’ by El Anatsui (Hon RA) must come with a very high price tag. Price is only available upon application.

 This ‘Red Bear’ was also a hit. It did make me smile.

I enjoyed looking at this painting: ‘Still time – Unsocial Media’ by Jacqueline Taylor. A telling snapshot of social media and how it can take over our lives.

Another painting which caught my eye was this London scene. It had a familiarity about it. After reviewing the booklet, I discovered it was of Islington – my old neighbourhood. The piece, entitled ‘View of Islington from a tenth floor’ by Melissa Scott-Miller had already been sold. At £9,500 it was a little out of my price range!

A sculpture of the Queen’s head took centerstage in one of the galleries. The intricate, lifelike creation was fascinating to look at – as it has been stretched wide – giving it an unusual perspective. It’s still available to buy….for £132,000.

Another sculpture which was hard to miss was this piece. I am amazed Cheeky managed to resist picking up any of the shiny, mirrored pieces scattered on the floor.

You can imagine the variety of work which has graced the walls of the opulent building since the first Summer Exhibition in 1768. It’s worth booking your place in history by walking through its doors and taking a look…and perhaps even purchasing something to adorn your walls. It may become a priceless asset in years to come. All the artwork is available to view (and buy) on the website.

Visiting the Summer Exhibition

– The Royal Academy of Art’s Summer Exhibition runs from 12th June – 19th August at at Piccadilly’s Burlington House.
– Look out for the colourful flags adorning the famous London street, designed by famous artists for the exhibition.
– You can buy tickets from the website. It is £18 (without donation £16). Concessions available. Under-16s go free with a fee-paying adult. Free for Friends of the RA with no booking required.

The Summer Exhibition with children

– There is no designated buggy park but space to leave them by the cloakroom. There is a lift up to the main exhibition halls if you want to take the buggy.
– Some of the collection contains adult content
– Under 16s go free with a paying adult.
– Cheeky loved looking around the colourful rooms and there is such a variety of work that children, particularly those into art, would enjoy seeing the different media on display.
–  During the weekend of 30 June – 1 July, the RA is holding a Weekend Festival with talks, family workshops, installations and performances. All activities are free and open to all ages. It’s part of Mayfair Art Weekend which see over 40 galleries in Mayfair and St James, open their doors to the public.