TINY masterpieces will take centre stage in a miniature art exhibition featuring more than 500 works.
The Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers will present its 2026 annual exhibition at the Alliston Centre at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) in Cirencester from October 24 to November 2, marking the first time the show has been held outside London.
Tom Mulliner, president of the society, said: "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."
The exhibition will feature more than 500 miniature artworks and will form part of the Cirencester History Festival.
Mr Mulliner said: "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."
It will be officially opened at noon on October 24 by Professor Mark Horton, RAU pro vice-chancellor for research and enterprise, who is also known for his work as an archaeologist and television presenter.
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."
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.
The exhibition will run from 9am to 5pm daily and will close at noon on the final day.
Artwork submissions for the exhibition are open until 6pm on Friday, August 28.
For more information about the exhibition and to submit artwork visit https://royal-miniature-society.org.uk/.
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