Bath Society of Artists’ free Open returns 19 September

Name: Bath Society of Artists 121st Open Exhibition
Start: 2026-09-19
End: 2026-11-07
Location: Victoria Art Gallery

demoduck.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-19 15:12 3 min read

A stylized portrait of a pale-faced woman wearing a large, elaborate red headpiece.

Original paintings, prints, sculptures and mixed-media works will fill Victoria Art Gallery when the Bath Society of Artists 121st Open Exhibition returns to Bath from 19 September to 7 November 2026. Entry is free, making the show accessible to curious first-time visitors, art enthusiasts and collectors looking to buy an original work.

Bath and North East Somerset Council’s announcement confirms the dates, venue and free-entry status. The exhibition changes entirely each year because its contents are chosen through an open submission process involving artists from across the country.

Basil Beattie brings an Abstract Expressionist focus

British painter and printmaker Basil Beattie RA is this year’s Invited Artist. Beattie was at the forefront of Abstract Expressionism in Britain during the mid-20th century and continues to practise today.

His gestural work often uses earthy colours alongside architectural forms, symbols and hieroglyph-like marks. Tate Britain dedicated a room to his work in 2007, and his presence in Bath gives visitors an opportunity to encounter an artist whose influence spans several generations of British painting.

Beattie’s work will sit within a broader exhibition combining established names with emerging artists. The open format means visitors will encounter a fresh selection rather than a repeat of previous annual shows, covering painting, printmaking, sculpture and mixed media.

Hundreds of submissions shape a different show each year

This year’s exhibition is being assembled by artists and arts professionals working across separate selection panels. Claire Todd, Artist Curator at Pound Arts, joins the panel considering two-dimensional work, while sculptor Tom Waugh RWA MRSS contributes to the three-dimensional selection.

The prize judges are Heather Jane Wallace MA (Fine Arts), founder and director of Heritage Courtyard Gallery and Studios, and Ros Cuthbert MA (RCA) RWA. Their involvement follows the selection process, with prizes intended to recognise work submitted by members and non-members.

The society began in 1904 with 26 artists and now has around 125 members. Its annual Open Exhibition has spent more than 120 years connecting artists with audiences in Bath. Artists associated with its history include Walter Sickert, John Singer Sargent, Patrick Heron, Mary Fedden, William Scott and David Inshaw.

Visitors can buy work and choose an audience winner

Many of the original artworks will be available to purchase, with the council’s preview saying prices will cover a range of budgets. No individual prices are listed in advance, so visitors will need to check the information displayed with each available piece at the gallery.

Visitors can also vote for a favourite work in the Public Choice Prize. That gives the audience a direct role in selecting one of the exhibition’s winners alongside the decisions made by the appointed judges.

The wider awards programme offers £5,500 in cash prizes and more than £800 in vouchers. Those awards help draw submissions from local, regional and national artists while providing financial and practical support for selected entrants.

Plan a visit to Victoria Art Gallery

The Bath Society of Artists 121st Open Exhibition runs at Victoria Art Gallery in Bath from Saturday 19 September until Saturday 7 November 2026. Admission is free, although visitors who decide to purchase an artwork will pay its displayed sale price.

The council announcement does not state daily opening times or provide transport and accessibility arrangements. It directs visitors to Victoria Art Gallery’s official information for further details, so anyone needing those practical arrangements should check with the gallery before travelling.

Source: Bath and North East Somerset Council Newsroom

Context & actions About this article

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The event dates, venue, admission details and programme were checked against the published Bath and North East Somerset Council notice.

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Confirmed the exhibition runs from 19 September to 7 November 2026.
Confirmed Victoria Art Gallery in Bath as the venue and free entry as the admission status...
Checked Basil Beattie RA’s role as the invited artist.
Checked the stated awards of £5,500 in cash and more than £800 in vouchers.

Bath and North East Somerset Council Newsroom Check wider coverage