This summer, the New English Art Club (NEAC) Annual Exhibition returns to London’s Mall Galleries with a painterly celebration of contemporary figurative art that draws heavily on the luminous spirit of Impressionism. Running from Thursday 12 June to Saturday 21 June 2025, the exhibition presents over 400 original works – including paintings, drawings, and prints …
Impressionist Revival at the New English Art Club Annual Exhibition 2025
This summer, the New English Art Club (NEAC) Annual Exhibition returns to London’s Mall Galleries with a painterly celebration of contemporary figurative art that draws heavily on the luminous spirit of Impressionism. Running from Thursday 12 June to Saturday 21 June 2025, the exhibition presents over 400 original works – including paintings, drawings, and prints – across the North, East, and West Galleries.
Echoing the Club’s inaugural 1886 exhibition, which featured artists such as George Clausen, Walter Sickert, and Stanhope Forbes, this year’s collection embraces loose brushwork, luminous colour, and playful joy, offering a much-needed tonic in turbulent times.
A Soothing Balm Through Art
Patrick Cullen, NEAC President, believes the trend reflects artists’ instinct to create “medicinal artwork” for our times:
“Schools and movements may come and go, but artists always return to the business of looking and observing the world around them for new inspiration. Historically, the zeitgeist of society is reflected through paint—sometimes as protest, sometimes as comfort. This year’s NEAC exhibition, with its soft pastel palettes and serene appreciation of the natural world, is certainly the latter.”
Visitors can expect luminous Mediterranean landscapes, tranquil seascapes, romantic still lives, and works radiating hope, serenity, and painterly mastery.
Historical Parallels
The Impressionist movement of the late 19th century first flourished during a time of upheaval in France, when artists turned away from rigid academic styles to capture fleeting light, colour, and everyday life.
It was this avant-garde spirit that inspired the NEAC’s foundation as an alternative to the Royal Academy. Today, nearly 140 years later, NEAC artists appear to be re-engaging with those roots—once again offering a radiant counterbalance to uncertain times.
The NEAC Climate Emergency Prize
For 2025, the NEAC introduces the £2,000 Climate Emergency Prize, with a £500 runner-up award, recognising the most compelling works addressing environmental change. Judged by Emma Stibbon RA, Chris Packham CBE, Olwyn Bowey RA, and Leon Morrocco RSA, the award reflects the Club’s long-standing engagement with landscapes and their fragility.
“If you’re inspired by the variety of nature, you will inevitably be sensitive to the changes threatening it,” Cullen notes. “Just as the Impressionists re-engaged with their world 140 years ago, today’s artists are reflecting on the landscapes now under threat.”
Selection & Sales
With prices starting from £300, the exhibition offers collectors the chance to acquire works by some of the UK’s most respected and emerging figurative artists. Every artwork is rigorously selected for quality and originality.
All pieces are available to view and purchase in person during the exhibition or online from 21 May 2025:
🔗 Mall Galleries – NEAC Exhibition 2025
Events Programme
To complement the exhibition, the NEAC and Mall Galleries will host a series of engaging events, including:
- Watercolour Painting Demo with Neil Pittaway – Thurs 12 June, 2–5pm
- Annual NEAC Lecture: Drawing the Unspeakable with Liza Dimbleby – Thurs 12 June, 6:30pm
- Sketchbook Studies & Painting Demo with Robert E Wells – Fri 13 June, 10:30am–4:30pm
- Portrait Painting Demo with James Bland – Sat 14 June, 1–4pm
- Flower Painting Demo with Laura Smith – Sun 15 June, 1–4pm
- Portrait Demo with Andrew James – Mon 16 June, 1–4pm
- Portrait Demo with Julia Hawkins – Tues 17 June, 1:30–4:30pm
- Exhibition Tours with Julie Held – Fri 20 June, 1pm & 3pm
About the NEAC
Founded in 1886 as a progressive alternative to the Royal Academy, the NEAC has long been home to some of Britain’s most respected figurative artists. With a heritage rooted in French Impressionism, the society continues to celebrate observational, painterly art. Today, the NEAC counts King Charles III as its Royal Patron.
Exhibition Details
📅 Thursday 12 June – Saturday 21 June 2025
📍 Mall Galleries, The Mall, London
🎟 Admission: £6 / Free for Friends of Mall Galleries & Under 25s / Concessions available
💻 Online Viewing & Sales from 21 May 2025:
NEAC Annual Exhibition 2025
NEAC Website
