Talented Technician Kathryn Bell whom works on a number of visual arts degree faculties including BA (Hons) Textiles & Surface Design and BA (Hons) Illustration for Commercial Application is featured in the prestigious Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2025 beating thousands of entries to be one of the selected art works on show.

The RA Summer Exhibition has been “held every year without interruption since 1769, the Summer Exhibition showcases a diverse array of contemporary works, including prints, paintings, films, photography, sculpture, and architectural works.” Visitors can “spend the day exploring over 1,700 fabulous pieces by famous artists and members of the public, which have been selected by architect Farshid Moussavi RA and her Summer Exhibition committee.”

The Royal Academy’s summer show is one of the “longest-running cultural events in Britain.. This year’s exhibition is the 257th Summer Exhibition.” After being selected for the summer show Kathryn was invited to attend the varnishing ceremony in London. A long-standing tradition where exhibiting artists, both members and non-members, celebrate the beginning of the exhibition, add final touches to their work, and often apply a varnish to complete it. The tradition marks the start of the exhibition and is a chance for artists to see their work displayed for the first time and includes a service St James’ church.

Speaking of exhibiting in the show Kath said, “I am so thrilled to have been selected for the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts. 2025 is dedicated to the theme of ‘Dialogues’. ‘My print, ‘Wild Place’, depicts the dialogue between sea swimmers, our relationship with each other and with the sea. My print can be found in room VIII alongside some fabulous artworks selected by Sikelela Owen (RA).”

She reflected that her favourite thing about the print “is that it’s a photo taken in the sea with my beautiful sea swimming friends. We’ve swam on lunch breaks through the winter, in rain and sunshine, through happiness and sad times. “

The Summer Exhibition runs from 17th June – 17th August 2025 find out more here.