Mall Galleries hosts major figurative art exhibitions this autumn

Mall Galleries in central London is preparing for a sequence of major figurative art exhibitions running through the final months of 2026. As the headquarters for the Federation of British Artists, a visual arts charity established in 1961, the venue serves as a hub for the UK’s figurative art community, providing a platform where emerging creators showcase work alongside established professionals in the West End.

The autumn season commences with the Royal Society of Marine Artists’ Annual Exhibition, which runs from 16–26 September. Regarded as a premier showcase for maritime works in the United Kingdom, the exhibition focuses on the country’s relationship with the sea. The display covers a range of subject matter, including sailing vessels, working harbours, seascapes, and coastal landscapes. Organisers intend for the exhibition to reflect the diversity of marine painting while highlighting the aquatic world as a central source of inspiration.

Following this, the gallery will host a solo exhibition by British artist Hannah Shergold. While the exhibition is open to the public from 1–4 October, a private view is scheduled for 30 September. The showcase features 30 new works, continuing the artist's focus on hyper-representational art. Shergold, who previously served as a British Army officer and trained as a helicopter pilot before transitioning to art, draws upon her background in zoology and veterinary medicine to inform her anatomical precision. The collection is presented as an artistic evolution for Shergold, who previously appeared on Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year.

Central to the exhibition is a portrait of musician Ronnie Wood, which serves as a fundraising initiative for the Tusk Trust. Shergold, an ambassador for the charity, has participated in several wildlife-themed art trails, and this new portrait marks a shift from her traditional wildlife canon. The collection will also feature two additions from the Turtle Trail, produced in collaboration with Wood, ahead of a planned charity auction.

"This body of work is extremely personal to me. It represents not just an artistic evolution, but a moment of real centredness and confidence as I prepare for my sixth solo exhibition. I’ve been fortunate to meet incredible people through my career, but working with Ronnie has truly been a highlight."

Hannah Shergold, Artist, via Epicureanlife

The focus on nature continues with The Natural Eye, the annual exhibition from the Society of Wildlife Artists, taking place from 1–10 October. The exhibition features a wide array of media, including prints, sculptures, drawings, and paintings. The society, which promotes wildlife appreciation through fine art, supports artists through a long-standing bursary scheme and various conservation-linked collaborations.

The year’s programme concludes with the Royal Institute of Oil Painters’ Annual Exhibition, running from 26 November to 16 December. Founded in 1882, the institute remains dedicated to oil painting, and this exhibition showcases the versatility of the medium through a variety of subjects and styles. Visitors are permitted to purchase works from the exhibition in the lead-up to the festive period.

According to the Federation of British Artists, the gallery operates a not-for-profit programme that encompasses more than 25 exhibitions and over 100 events annually. The federation also manages prizes, awards, residencies, and scholarships to support the creative community. Visitors can access the gallery daily from 10am to 5pm. Entry is set at £7, though the gallery offers free admission for Friends of Mall Galleries and visitors under the age of 25. No advance booking is required for these exhibitions, and the venue includes step-free access, a cafe, and a book shop.