Celebrate a long-standing and much-loved RSA tradition.
Varnishing Day takes place just before the opening of our Annual Exhibition. It was originally an opportunity for Academicians to apply a final coat of varnish to their paintings before the public opening, with James McIntosh Patrick RSA (1907-1998) being the last Member who regularly undertook this tradition.
Join our RSA Academicians and Honorary Academicians for this unique opportunity to gather in the gallery in the surroundings of our Annual Exhibition before it is open to the public. An exclusive two-course lunch with drinks, you’ll get the chance to meet our Academicians, hear the acceptance speeches of newly elected Academicians and toast to the 200th Annual Exhibition.
You will also receive two tickets to the opening reception of the Annual on Friday 8 May 2026.
Your donation will support our ambitious programme of exhibitions, talks, performances and special events across Scotland in 2026, celebrating our 200th Anniversary.
