King Charles III, custodian of the renowned Royal Collection—one of the world’s most significant private art holdings—is set to reveal a personal artistic contribution in a landmark exhibition celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Royal Drawing School. Founded by the monarch in 2000, the London-based non-profit has become a cornerstone of artistic education, championing drawing as a foundational creative discipline.
The special exhibition, from 1–26 July, will feature works by leading contemporary artists, including Tacita Dean, David Hockney, and Tracey Emin, alongside His Majesty’s original drawing. While details of the royal artwork remain undisclosed, it is unlikely to court the same controversy as Emin’s unmade bed—though it will undoubtedly draw significant attention.
The Royal Drawing School emphasises the vital role of drawing across creative fields—from fine art and fashion to animation, filmmaking, and engineering. “Drawing is a primary language,” the institution asserts, “a crucial route to innovation in countless disciplines.” With a mission to make art education inclusive, the school offers Over 350 full and part-time courses annually for adults and children of all skill levels. Heavily subsidised tuition, supported by scholarships and bursaries to ensure accessibility. Postgraduate programmes, international residencies, and youth initiatives for emerging talents aged 10–18.
The school’s faculty comprises 75 practising artists committed to nurturing students and future educators. Based in Shoreditch, the institution collaborates with major cultural landmarks, including The National Gallery, The British Museum, and the Royal Academy.
The exhibition marks a milestone for the Royal Drawing School and underscores the enduring relevance of drawing in contemporary art today.
Photo: Peterichman Wikimedia Commons