Royal Miniature Society Annual Exhibition

If one considered the commercial value of art by the square inch, it might be a surprise to learn that some of the world’s most expensive paintings are portrait miniatures. For example in January 2001 Christie’s New York sold a miniature of George Washington by the Irish artist John Ramage for $1,216,000 (£612,000) and in 2007 Sotheby’s achieved a price of £535,00 for a 4 by 3in portrait of Oliver Cromwell.

The other revelation is that it is not just antique miniatures that today’s collectors focus on — there are a growing band of enthusiasts for contemporary miniatures, too. This fact is admirably highlighted by the annual exhibitions of the Royal Miniature Society (RMS) which, despite a history spanning 116 years, has seen the Society attaining record visitor numbers and particularly strong sales over last three years. The Society’s President, the eminent portrait miniaturist Elizabeth Meek, whose sitters include members of the Royal Family, says: “Despite the economic woes, we have noted a spectacular increase in demand for present-day miniature art.”

There are a number of factors for this. All tastes are catered for - within a size limit of 6in by 4in, subjects are extremely eclectic and include landscapes, still-life, interior scenes, animals, birds and portraits. All are fused by one endearing feature - exquisite detail. Their affordability also gives them much appeal - many of the 600 plus masterpieces will be priced in the low hundreds. And, of course, an impressive collection can be built-up without taking up massive amounts of wall space!

This year’s event will also feature a very special loan exhibition entitled ‘The War Years’. Covering the period between the First and Second World Wars, the unique display charts the fascinating changes in dress and society, the ‘patriotic’ suspension of the Suffragette movement and the commercial short cut that facilitated thousands of servicemen’s families to having a lasting memorial of their loved one in the form of a portrait miniature. Among the works will be a striking miniature of Capt. Sir John Shelley-Rolls (1871-1951) painted in 1918 by May Bridges Lee (1884-1977).

The Royal Miniature Society is delighted to announce that his Royal Highness The Prince of Wales has generously approved an award scheme to be named ‘The Prince of Wales Award for Outstanding Miniature Painting’. The Award will be presented during the exhibition.