An exhibition of more than 200 portraits by 100 different artists is opening today at the Mall Galleries. The event is being organised by the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, of which Her Majesty The Queen is Patron. The exhibition will include works by leading members of the society including Micheal Noakes, Jeff Stultiens, Antony Williams, Sue Ryder and John Wonnacott. The exhibition will be opened by Dame Stephanie Shirley on 2nd May prior to a private viewing which will be followed by general viewing from 3rd – 18th May.

New portraits on show including those by June Mendoza of David Mellor QC and Lady Cobham, and the musicians Piers Lane and Steven Isserlis. Daphne Todd will be showing a family group piece – Sophie, Beatrice and Max. Saied Dai’s canvas portrait of entrepreneur and philanthropist Dame Stephanie Shirley will be displayed alongside David Poole’s depiction of Rt. Hon. Kenneth Clarke. Anthony Williams is showing works depicting Rt. Hon. Margaret Beckett and the cricket commentator Henry Blofeld.

Found in 1891, the Royal Society of Portrait Painters is the country’s leading group of portrait artists and is exclusively devoted to the art and development of portrait painting.

The exhibition is at the Mall Galleries and runs from the 3rd – 18th May. For more information please visit: http://www.mallgalleries.org.uk/