Pastel Society | Annual Exhibition 2026

About the Open Call

Artists are invited to submit work in pastel and dry media for the Pastel Society’s 127th Annual Exhibition, sponsored by Caran d'Ache. This is your chance to take part in a contemporary, adventurous and creative show, presenting a positive challenge to those with pre-conceived ideas about pastel and dry media. The exhibition will celebrate the 'direct touch' of dry media. 'The joy of dry media is its ability to transmit feelings through the hand directly onto paper,' says the Society, 'The touch is evident and powerful.' Successful applicants can expect: To have their work included in the exhibition at Mall Galleries and online; The opportunity to win prizes and awards; An invitation to the Private View; The chance to sell their work to new collectors; To be part of a network of exhibiting artists dating back to 1898, when the Society was founded; The possibility of election to membership.

What is Offered

To have their work included in the exhibition at Mall Galleries and online, the opportunity to win prizes and awards, an invitation to the Private View, the chance to sell their work to new collectors, to be part of a network of exhibiting artists, and the possibility of election to membership.

Requirements

Eligibility: Any artist aged 18 or over may enter, from anywhere in the world. Artists may enter a maximum of six works each, from which up to four works per artist may be selected. Work must have been completed within two years prior to the exhibition and not have been exhibited previously at Mall Galleries. Works should be no larger than 2.4m along the longest dimension. All works must be an original creation by the artist. Acceptable media: All types of pastel including soft pastel, hard pastel, oil pastel, ink pastel, water-based pastel, conté crayons or sticks, sanguine, and other dry mediums that are similar in their application including charcoal, chalk, and pencil. Mixed media and three-dimensional works are welcome where pastel or another dry media is the primary medium. All work that is submitted must have a full description of the media used and any process which has been employed in the finished work beyond drawing and painting. Presentation: All work must be framed and glazed with picture glass unless a dispensation is applied for and accepted. Frames should be sufficiently substantial and artists are advised to use plain, simple framing. Metal frames, unprotected glass edges and clip frames are inadmissible. Remove all fittings and fixings from the back of frames. Delivery & Collection: Works should be delivered and collected on the specified receiving and collection days via the gallery's rear entrance at Mall Galleries, 17 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5BD. Artists are responsible for the costs of delivery and collection. Works should be delivered unwrapped with the relevant form and labels. All packaging must be taken away at the point of delivery. Uncollected works will be stored by an independent courier company at the artist's expense. International Artists: Artists without a UK residence must register with HMRC for a UK VAT number if selected for the exhibition.

How to Apply

A single-stage online judging of all submitted works will take place. Register or log in to our Open Exhibition Submission System (OESS) to submit between 12 noon on Monday 18 August and Friday 14 November 2025. Upload your image/s in JPEG or PNG format and under 5MB. One image per submission must be submitted, showing the complete work. An optional two additional images per work may be submitted, showing details. The judges will make their decision based on these images. Also required is the title, medium, size (cm), year of completion, and price of each work, plus there is the option to add an artwork description. Log in to the OESS from 12 noon on Friday 28 November to see if your work has been selected. If selected, deliver your work on Saturday 10 January 2026, 10am to 5pm, to Mall Galleries, 17 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5BD. Works should be delivered unwrapped with the relevant form and labels, which are downloadable upon notification of selection. Submit now via the OESS platform.