In pictures: Summer Exhibition Preview Party 2016

Published 9 June 2016

The official launch of the Summer Exhibition 2016 welcomed some of London’s most celebrated artists and art lovers to Burlington House.

  • The power of two was in full force at the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition Preview Party on 7 June. Co-ordinator Richard Wilson RA chose to highlight the work of artistic duos in this year’s exhibition, calling attention to the collaboration behind many great works of art.

    The annual event is a highlight of London’s social calendar and a major fundraiser for the Royal Academy, marking the official opening of the Summer Exhibition. Guests are able to preview and purchase the works on show before the official buyers’ day, with the money raised helping to fund the RA Schools; Britain’s first art school, which has offered free tuition for almost 250 years.

    This year, party-goers included Twiggy, Matthew Williamson, Emilia Fox and Daisy Lowe, and Academicians Yinka Shonibare, Tracey Emin and Grayson Perry.

    Charli XCX played a DJ set in the Main Galleries, before the evening ended with a rousing Courtyard set from the new wave band ABC.

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    Summer Exhibition Preview Party 2016

    Take a look behind the scenes at this year’s Summer Exhibition Preview Party.