The Pastel Society | Annual Exhibition 2026

About the Open Call

The Pastel Society’s 127th Annual Exhibition invites artists to submit work in pastel and other dry media such as pencil, charcoal, crayon, and chalk. Mixed media and three-dimensional works are also welcome, provided dry media is the primary medium. This contemporary exhibition aims to challenge pre-conceived ideas about pastel and dry media by celebrating the 'direct touch' that transmits feelings onto paper. Successful applicants will have their work exhibited at Mall Galleries and online, receive an invitation to the Private View, gain the opportunity to sell their work to collectors, become part of a network of exhibiting artists dating back to 1898, and have the possibility of election to membership. The exhibition is supported by Caran d'Ache and other partners, offering numerous cash and product prizes, including the Caran d'Ache Prize, Pastel Society Prize, The Yoshimoto Prize, The President's Prize (for artists 35 or under), and The Bob Last Prize, among others.

What is Offered

Inclusion in a physical and online exhibition, opportunity to win cash and product prizes, invitation to a Private View, chance to sell work, networking opportunities, possibility of election to membership, and media coverage.

Requirements

Any artist aged 18 or over, from anywhere in the world, may enter. Artists may submit a maximum of six works, with up to four selected. Work must have been completed within two years prior to the exhibition and not previously exhibited at Mall Galleries. Works should be no larger than 2.4m along the longest dimension and must be original creations. Acceptable media includes all types of pastel, conté crayons, sanguine, charcoal, chalk, and pencil, as well as mixed media and three-dimensional works where dry media is primary. A full description of media and process must be provided. All work must be for sale with a minimum price of £400 and include a 45% + VAT commission. Work must be framed and glazed (exceptions require dispensation). International artists without UK residence must register for a UK VAT number if selected for the exhibition.

How to Apply

Submissions are online only through the Open Exhibition Submission System (OESS). Artists should register or log in to submit between Monday 18 August and Friday 14 November 2025. Upload images in JPEG or PNG format (under 5MB), with one main image and optional two additional detail images per work. Provide the title, medium, size (cm), year of completion, and price for each work. Notification of selection will be on Friday 28 November. Selected works must be delivered unwrapped with relevant forms and labels (downloadable upon selection) to Mall Galleries, 17 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5BD on Saturday 10 January 2026.