29 July 2026

An international exhibition of miniature art works, which has previously only ever been exhibited in London, is heading to the Cotswolds later this year.

The 2026 annual exhibition of The Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors, and Gravers, which will include more than 500 pieces, will be held at the Alliston Centre at Cirencester’s Royal Agricultural University (RAU) from Saturday 24 October until Monday 2 November 2026.

And the Society is also appealing to any artists who have not exhibited before, and who might like their work to be included in the show, to put it forward to be selected for display before the end of this month.

Tom Mulliner, President of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors, and Gravers, explained: “The Society began way back in 1896 and, traditionally, our annual exhibition has always been held in London.

“Our usual venue – the Mall Galleries – wasn’t available this year but we were delighted to find this new opportunity in Cirencester with its rich cultural heritage and a long tradition of craftsmanship and creativity. 

“If you are an artist working in miniature, we would love for you to submit your work for this exhibition. The deadline for submissions is 6pm on Friday 28 August. If you are interested then just visit https://royal-miniature-society.org.uk/submit/ for all the details.”

The exhibition, which is also part of this year’s Cirencester History Festival, will be officially opened at 12 noon on Saturday 24 October by Professor Mark Horton, the RAU’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise, who is also an internationally-known archaeologist and television presenter. 

In a nod to the exhibition’s 2026 venue, the optional theme for those submitting artwork to this year’s exhibition is 'The Legend of King Arthur', which fits well with a lecture, examining the link between Roman Corinium (Cirencester) and the Arthurian legends, that Professor Horton will deliver at the History Festival. 

Artworks can include the myths and objects around the legendary King and Camelot. While artists are encouraged to contribute work on the theme, it is not compulsory and artworks on any other subject matter will be accepted for submission.

Professor Horton said: “It is wonderful that the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors, and Gravers’ has chosen Cirencester, and in particular the RAU, for its first ever annual exhibition outside London.

“The tradition of miniatures goes all the way back to the Elizabethan era and it is so exciting that these incredible and collectible works of art will be coming to the Cotswolds where they can be enjoyed by a wider audience. We hope that this is the start of a long relationship between our two “Royal” institutions.”

The annual awards for the Society – which, like the RAU, boasts HM King Charles III as its Patron – will also be presented as part of the opening ceremony.

Tom Mulliner added: “It is particularly fitting that our exhibition, celebrating the talent, dedication, and creativity of our artists, takes place here during Cirencester History Festival, a celebration of the town’s remarkable past and its continuing contribution to the arts, culture, and learning. 

“Throughout its long history, the Society has demonstrated an ability to adapt while remaining committed to the highest standards of miniature art, and we are pleased to share our work with new audiences in such an inspiring setting.”

The 2026 annual exhibition of The Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors, and Gravers will take place, from 9am to 5pm daily (closing at 12 noon on the final day), from Saturday 24 October until Monday 2 November 2026 at the Alliston Centre, Royal Agricultural University, Stroud Road, Cirencester, GL7 6JR.

The official opening and award ceremony will take place at 12 noon on Saturday 24 October following an invitation-only preview of the exhibition between 9am and 12pm.

For more information about the exhibition, and to submit artwork, please visit https://royal-miniature-society.org.uk/.