Local artist in London for the summer

30 May 2012

Helen Peyton, artist printmaker and Craven Museum & Gallery’s artist-in-residence, has been chosen for the second year running to exhibit at the 244th Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. Held annually since the Royal Academy's foundation in 1768, the prestigious Summer Exhibition is a unique celebratory showcase for art of all styles and media. Historically, the exhibition has also provided an opportunity for Royal Academicians, many of whom are internationally renowned, to show their work.

This year around 12,000 works were submitted for consideration. From this selection 1,500 were chosen to be exhibited, with only 600 of the successful pieces by non-Royal Academicians. Helen is exhibiting the reduction linocut print ‘Ecko Radio’ alongside some very well-known artists including Tracey Emin, Michael Craig-Martin and Norman Ackroyd (a Royal Academician from Grassington).

Last week Helen attended the exhibitions private preview ‘Varnishing Day’. It is so-called because it was originally an opportunity for artists to touch-up and varnish their paintings before the exhibition opened to the public. It is said that J. M. W. Turner often had to spend time completing his masterpieces on Varnishing Day. Today it is now an opportunity for artists to clean their work, check the labels and rearrange anything if required.

Whilst in London Helen also took part with the Artists Procession. Each year all entrants in the Summer Exhibition process from The Courtyard at the Royal Academy, down Piccadilly to St.James’ Church, accompanied by a steel band. The ‘Service for Artists’ is held at the church, a tradition which dates back to the mid 1700s, and then all the artists go back to the Royal Academy to attend the private reception.

Helen said “Being accepted into the Summer Exhibition last year was a wonderful surprise, but to be exhibition here for a second time is truly overwhelming. I feel honoured to be placed alongside such talented and well-respected artists.”

The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition runs from 4 June to 12 August at Burlington House, Piccadilly, London.

Find out more about Helen’s work.