Royal Drawing School: 25th Anniversary Exhibition
Drawing is a fundamental skill not just for visual artists but for architects, set designers, fashion designers, interior decorators, sculptures, painters, ceramicists… the list goes on and on, but it doesn’t end with disciplines typically classed as creative. One of the co-founders of the Royal Drawing School, some chap named His Majesty King Charles III, both contributed a work and stated: “Drawing is one of the most direct ways of engaging with the world and provides a foundational route to human creativity.”
At the opening I spoke with Douglas Farthing, who attended the school after retiring from the British Army Parachute Regiment. He’s now an artist and a humanitarian and we discussed his sketchbook on display, which included composite drawings of scenes he witnessed while recently providing support in Ukraine. It was a reminder that drawing is both artistic expression and a way that many people use to process and express emotions or experiences they can’t put into words.
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"Drawing makes you see things clearer, and clearer, and clearer still.“ — David Hockney
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That Hockney quote is one of the many fascinating insights to be found on the statements that accompany each work. I found the words from the contributors just as absorbing as their art, so I did two circuits of the room: one to look at their work and another just to read why drawing is so important to each of them. Their collective thoughts were a potent reminder that what is inherently a simple act very often results in the most extraordinary end point. And many of the works are extraordinary indeed.
From that better than expected backyard sketch by His Majesty to Jessie Makinson’s pencil work that’s so finely detailed that I wondered if she spent more time sharpening her lead than putting it to paper, you’ll see everything from working sketches to world class artwork. 25 contributors are Royal Drawing School alumni, many of whom have frequently been shown in London galleries, but even those who don’t readily recognise the names will appreciate the talent on display.
In fact, the alumni works often outshine the submissions from the 25 world famous creatives that generously contributed work, which is not unexpected since for most of them drawing is a tool, not their primary output. Es Devlin, Norman Foster, Thomas Heatherwick, Jony Ive, Charlie Macksey, and many others all consider drawing to be an integral part of their creative process. I was told everyone enthusiastically donated works and offered support.
Gouache. Pencil. Charcoal. Watercolour. iPad. Ink. Oil stick. Pastel. It really doesn’t matter what you use, as long as you grab something and start drawing. Don’t know where to begin? Then get yourself to this show. Free drawing materials will be available to all visitors, regardless of age or experience, during the exhibition and alumni will be on had to offer tips, conversation and encouragement.
Plan your visit
‘The Power of Drawing’ runs 01-26 July, 2025.
Visit royaldrawingschool.org and follow @royaldrawingschool on Instagram for more info about the school and venue.
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