The day is called ‘Varnishing Day’ because traditionally it is the point at which paintings were finished off with varnish and then were deemed complete and ready for public viewing.

It’s the day when, for the past 255 years, all the artists come together to celebrate the start of the Summer Exhibition.

The day began by meeting in the courtyard of the RA then walking in procession down Piccadilly to St Jame’s Church for a ‘Service for Artists’.

What a thrill to become part of this tradition and celebrate with so many artists, many like me have their work on the walls for the first time. Many more visits to coem to take it all in. My work is in Eileen Coopers curated Rm 7, delighted to be in such great company.