MNA 2026

Founded in 2000 by HM King Charles III and artist Catherine Goodman CBE LVO, the Royal Drawing School is an independent, artist-led, not-for-profit home dedicated to the practice of observational drawing. Through its diverse programmes and initiatives, the School has cultivated a vibrant and far-reaching drawing community that reaches around the world.

Its mission is to offer world-leading, skills-based drawing tuition to artists and creatives, regardless of background, age, or circumstance, and to introduce the practice of drawing to new audiences and the next generation of artists.

Open to all, from complete beginners to practicing artists, the School offers a range of programmes including the postgraduate-level Drawing Year, public courses, and a dedicated programme for young artists. These take place at the Schoolu2019s studios in Charlotte Road, East London, as well as in galleries, outdoor locations, and online.

Pentagram also contributed to the exhibitionu2019s design and produced a limited-edition oversized catalogue. Printed on art paper supplied by Fedrigoni, the catalogue features fluorescent pink details and a wrap-around cover combining commissioned photography with images taken by Pentagramu2019s Harry Pearce as well as Rory Landon-Down. Inside, drawings by artists and designers such as Tracey Emin, Thomas Heatherwick and Tim Burton are presented alongside works by alumni, with each artist sharing a personal reflection on what drawing means to them.

The new identity was formally unveiled at a special reception hosted by the King and Queen at St Jamesu2019s Palace to celebrate 25 years of the Royal Drawing School. All 50 drawings from the exhibition were on display, with the evening featuring live drawing by current students and a performance by singer Rufus Wainwright.