Applications for 2026 will open in september
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday 17 November 2025 12 noon
SHORTLISTED ARTISTS FROM DIGITAL SELECTION WILL BE NOTIFIED: Friday 12 December 2025
WORK SEND-IN FOR SHORTLISTED ARTISTS: Saturday 31 January 2026, 11am - 6pm
RESULTS & WORK COLLECTION: Sunday 1 February, 4 - 6pm & Monday 2 February 11am – 1pm
The Guidelines for Election of RE Associate Members are important as by making an application you are agreeing to the terms of the election.
Download the 2026 application guidelines as a PDF here
WHY JOIN THE RE?
"Joining the RE has had a fantastic impact on my printmaking practice. The society is a friendly and knowledgeable community of printmakers working at the highest level. I have found discussing creative ideas and technical know-how with other members invaluable.
Since joining, I’ve also enjoyed taking part in opportunities to introduce and engage the public with the world of printmaking. I’ve given talks, presentations and demonstrations of my work, and I’ve run a number of practical workshops."
BEN HENDY RE (joined the RE in 2018)
“Becoming a Member of the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers is a validation by fellow practitioners elected to the RE Council of your accomplishment, singularity and commitment to ongoing creativity and processes within the infinite world of printmaking.
It is a wonderful signpost of one’s practice, time-honoured and a mark of distinction. Your name and the title of your chosen ‘RE Diploma Print’ are entered in a Roll-Book whose entries arch back to 1880.
This Society is a happening place where past, present and future aspirations intertwine: exhibitions, fairs, talks, demonstrations, camaraderie, friendships, discussing the aches and ecstasies of creativity with like-minded Members; each marvels and a joy, enriching one’s self and practice’.
EDWARD TWOHIG RE Hon. Curator (joined the RE in 2016)
‘’I was delighted to be elected to the RE this year and have enjoyed showing my prints at Bankside in 2024 and selling several linocuts through the gallery.
For those applying at the moment, I'd recommend showing a coherent body of work rather than a mix of styles and techniques. And be meticulous in your presentation. I've applied a few times over the last 10 years, so do not be put off if you don't get accepted. Persevere: believe in your work and try again.’’
KIT BOYD ARE (elected 2024)
The Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers (RE) was formed in 1880 to seek recognition for the value of printmaking as artwork in its own right. To this day it continues to promote original printmaking in all its forms, widen the knowledge and understanding of printmaking as a process, whilst also providing its members with artistic opportunities.
The Society shares its home at Bankside Gallery, in London, with the Royal Watercolour Society in an association that has lasted more than a hundred years. Each year Members are invited to submit two works for inclusion in the Society’s major annual exhibition at Bankside Gallery and there are a number of opportunities to show in joint exhibitions at Bankside Gallery and elsewhere.
Demonstrations and lectures are held as part of the education programme accompanying exhibitions, fulfilling the Society’s status as an educational charity. The RE is run by its Members, all of whom are expected to take an active role in furthering the interests of the Society.
Since 1911, full fellows of the Society have been entitled to use the post-nominals ‘RE’. Newly elected Members, being Associate Members, are entitled to use ‘ARE’ after their name.
Elected members pay an annual subscription fee to continue being a part of the Society.
Artists wishing to apply are required to complete the online application which includes images of works plus some details about you and your practice.
The application fee is £50 and must be paid to complete your online application.
If shortlisted you will be invited to send in your physical work for Council to view.
The entry portal will be opened here in September