LONDON.- A Royal Gallery of portraits of H.M. The Queen to commemorate her Diamond Jubilee are on show during the Society’s annual exhibition and includes paintings and numerous preparatory sketches on show for the first time by some of its most distinguished members including Michael Noakes, Jeff Stultiens, Antony Williams, Sue Ryder and John Wonnacott.

June Mendoza is exhibiting portraits of the broadcaster and former politician David Mellor, QC and his partner Lady Cobham and of the pianist Piers Lane. Daphne Todd is showing a charming family group, Sophie, Beatrice and Max. Saied Dai has captured the entrepreneur and philanthropist Dame Stephanie Shirley on canvas. David Poole has depicted the Justice Secretary and veteran politician Rt. Hon. Kenneth Clarke in two poses and Antony Williams is exhibiting portraits of the well known politician Rt. Hon. Margaret Beckett and the noted cricket commentator Henry Blofeld.

Jemma Phipps has painted H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh in his 90th year.Fiona Graham-Mackay depicts H.R.H. Prince Michael of Kent. A portrait of the famous ballet dancer Carlos Acosta is being exhibited by Nigel Cox and there is also a drawing of the noted actor Eric Sykes by Andrew Tift.

Since 1891 the Society has been exclusively devoted to the art and development of portrait painting. The selection of work on display, both from its members and the open section, make it the perfect destination to those wishing to commission a portrait. Portraiture is a fascinating barometer of current trends and holds a mirror up to nature in reflecting life in contemporary Britain.

Prizes awarded by the Society are the Ondaatjie Prize for Portraiture, the Prince of Wales Award for Portrait Drawing, the Changing Faces Prize and the de Laszlo Foundation Prize.

Over 200 portraits by 100 artists have been hung in this exhibition which is one of the year’s top art events.