The Royal West of England Academy (RWA) is once more preparing for its Secret Postcard Auction and accompanying exhibition.
The annual event is also a key fundraising opportunity for the charity that is not regularly in receipt of public funds, despite being amongst the UK’s oldest arts institutions (founded in 1844).
“We are committed to supporting artists”, outlines Ren Renwick, RWA director, “from bringing exceptional art to the Southwest, to working in collaboration with artists and creatives and creating ways for people to experience art, in their own way.
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“We are so grateful for the artists who have supported the Auction; the funds we raise from our fundraising activities help support the work we do.”
Contribution to the RWA Secret Postcard Auction 2025
The event sees a huge number artists contribute a unique postcard-sized artwork for an online auction, which opens on October 24.
Names are not ascribed to the individual postcards until the auction has closed, but this year’s participating artists include beloved children’s illustrator Sir Quentin Blake, textile artist Alice Kettle, abstract artist Sir Frank Bowling, and Fuller (aka Gareth Fuller), a creator of detailed and esoteric maps.
Art enthusiasts are invited to guess who might be responsible for each postcard.
2025 will be the 10th anniversary of the Auction, and as a celebration, all 350 postcards will be exhibited in the Kenny Gallery for the week running up to its close.
There will also be a special after-hours event on November 6, featuring music and a live portrait artist; visitors will be granted access to the ongoing 172 Annual Open exhibition as part of their ticket price.
The names are finally revealed after the auction has concluded.
Online bidding for The Secret Postcard Auction will take place from October 24-November 6, with an exhibition at the Kenny Gallery from October 28-November 6, and a special after hours event on November 6 at 6-9pm (tickets here).
For more information about all upcoming exhibitions, events, talks and workshops at RWA, go to www.rwa.org.uk.
All photos: The RWA
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