In these uncertain times, work to be displayed in the NEAC (New English Art Club) Annual Exhibition, appears to return to the loose freedom, luminous colour and playful joy of Impressionism. This echoes the society’s inaugural exhibition in 1886, which saw artists including George Clausen, Walter Sickert and Stanhope Forbes, showcase work heavily influenced by Impressionism and Post-Impressionism movements. The work is hopeful and lively, playing with colour, light and brushstrokes. The NEAC’s President Patrick Cullen believes this could be down to NEAC artists’ urge to create ‘medicinal artwork’ for our times.
“Schools and movements may come and go,” says Cullen, “but artists always return to the business of looking and observing the world around them for new inspiration, and that doesn’t always mean capturing literal objects or scenes. Historically, the zeitgeist of current society, political feelings and social content (or discontent) is reflected through paint – and this can be either to reflect the times, or to provide a soothing balm of distraction and enjoyment from it. This year’s NEAC exhibition, with its soft pastel palettes, expressive brushwork, and a serene appreciation of the natural world, is certainly the latter.”
Visitors can expect to encounter luminous Mediterranean landscapes, gentle seascapes, romantic still lives, and works that radiate joy, serenity, and painterly mastery – a welcome tonic in today’s turbulent times.
Energy
When Impressionist art first appeared in the late 19th century, its uplifting energy emerged during a time of political and social turbulence in France. The country was experiencing major shifts in government, rising tensions between tradition and progress, and a growing desire for individual expression. In this climate of change and uncertainty, Impressionist artists broke away from academic conventions, turning their focus to everyday life, natural light, and the fleeting moments of modern existence. Their work reflected not only a new way of seeing the world but also a subtle antidote to the instability and transformation shaping society at the time. This Impressionist influence was seen in the NEAC’s foundation, and in its first show. Founded by a group of artists dissatisfied with the entrenched attitudes of the Royal Academy, the club embraced the Parisian avant-garde and went on to become the dominant force in British art in the new century.
The NEAC summer exhibition, which returns to London’s Mall Galleries, is a wonderful, painterly celebration of contemporary figurative art, evocative of the society’s French Impressionist roots. From Thursday 12th June to Saturday 21st June 2025, visitors are invited to explore a vibrant and joyful collection of over 400 original works – including drawings, paintings and prints – across the North, East and West Galleries of Mall Galleries. The original work featured in the show is also available to view and buy online from 21st May 2025 here: https://www.mallgalleries.org.uk/exhibitions-events/new-english-art-club-annual-exhibition-2025.
Alongside NEAC’s long-standing commitment to artistic excellence, 2025 sees the launch of a new £2,000 NEAC Climate Emergency Prize. Awarded to the most compelling artwork addressing the climate crisis, the prize invites artists to reflect on the changing landscapes they rely on for inspiration. A £500 runner-up prize will also be awarded, with judging by Emma Stibbon RA, Chris Packham CBE, Olwyn Bowey RA, and Leon Morrocco RSA.
“If you’re an artist who is inspired by the great variety of nature, and the many different types of landscape that the world offers, you will inevitably be sensitive to the changes taking place in those landscapes; both those changes that cause climate shifts and those that result from them. Deforestation, melting glaciers, industrial farming, loss of biodiversity to name just a few.” continues Cullen, “we are inviting artists to re-engage with the natural world just as those French artists were doing 140 years ago. But now those very landscapes are under threat.”
Selection
Most of the works on display are available for purchase, with prices starting from £300. The NEAC’s rigorous selection process ensures quality and originality, offering collectors a chance to acquire pieces from today’s most notable and up-and-coming figurative artists. All works will be available to view and buy online from Wednesday 21st May at: https://www.mallgalleries.org.uk/exhibitions-events/new-english-art-club-annual-exhibition-2025
Annual Exhibition Events Programme
To further enrich the exhibition experience, the NEAC and Mall Galleries will host a range of free in-gallery events, including guided tours, artist demonstrations, and live sketching sessions.
This year’s events include:
Watercolour Painting Demo with Neil Pittaway: Thursday 12 June, 2pm to 5pm
Neil Pittaway will be in the gallery in the afternoon where he will demonstrate watercolour painting. There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions and to talk to Neil about his work.
NEAC Annual Lecture: Drawing the Unspeakable: Thursday 12 June, 6pm for 6:30pm start
Join Liza Dimbleby as she revisits ‘Drawing the Unspeakable’, the recent exhibition at Towner Gallery in Eastbourne that she co-curated with her father David. Learn more about their ideas and choices, as well as the power of art to communicate experiences that words cannot fully capture. Tickets £10, which includes admission to the NEAC Annual Exhibition 2025 (normally £6) and a complimentary drink.
Sketchbook Studies and Painting Demo with Robert E Wells: Friday 13 June, 10:30am to 4:30pm
An opportunity to join Robert E Wells as he embarks on sketchbook studies and oil vignettes throughout the duration of the day. Feel free to participate in the activities, or come along for a chat!
Portrait Painting Demo with James Bland: Saturday 14 June, 1pm to 4pm
Spend an afternoon in the gallery watching James Bland paint a series of portrait sketches.
Flower Painting Demo with Laura Smith: Sunday 15 June, 1pm to 4pm
Watch Laura Smith doing a three-hour demonstration of painting flowers in oils. From paint mixing to brush handling, Laura will be delighted to answer any questions you might have about how she tackles this fleeting subject matter.
Designing and Painting a Portrait Sketch in Oils with Andrew James: Monday 16 June, 1pm to 4pm
A three-hour demo by Andrew James which will include some preparatory drawing beforehand, and an hour’s Q & A after the demo.
Portrait Painting Demo with Julia Hawkins: Tuesday 17 June, 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Join Julia Hawkins in the gallery as she sketches a portrait in oils.
Exhibition Tours with Julie Held: Friday 20 June, 1pm and 3pm
Julie Held will give guided tours of the exhibition throughout the afternoon.