**King and Queen Mark Quarter-Century of the Royal Drawing School with Prestigious Reception**
Their Majesties the King and Queen have marked the milestone 25th anniversary of the Royal Drawing School at a special reception hosted at St James’s Palace, a testament to the pivotal role the institution has played in nurturing artistic talent over the past quarter of a century. The event shone a spotlight not only on the enduring appeal of drawing as an art form but also on the power of creativity in uniting the art community and wider public.
The centrepiece of the celebration was the latest exhibition, **The Power Of Drawing**, which brings together 50 pieces by established figures such as David Hockney and Tracey Emin, as well as up-and-coming artists. The collection is designed to highlight the universal language of drawing, showcasing a diverse array of artistic interpretations and conveying the broad impact art continues to have on society.
His Majesty, co-founder of the Royal Drawing School alongside artist Catherine Goodman in 2000, used the occasion to express admiration for both the institution and those who have contributed to its legacy. During a speech delivered to the assembled guests, the King paid special tribute to Ms Goodman, reflecting on her seminal role in establishing the school. “Catherine was undoubtedly the right person to help realise this vision,” he remarked, acknowledging her significant contribution and the collective debt of gratitude owed by the creative community.
Amongst the celebrated contributions were original works from luminaries like David Hockney, whose charcoal drawings—such as *Cut Trees and Timber Gone*—were on public display, alongside a rare watercolour painted by acclaimed filmmaker Tim Burton. Renowned contemporary artist Tracey Emin also featured in the exhibition with her 2024 piece *Because You Left – I Held On*. Speaking at the event, Emin commented on the significance of the gathering, saying, “It’s wonderful to see art championed in this way, especially by someone who is not only a patron but an artist in his own right.”
One of the evening’s notably moving moments arose from the story of Douglas Farthing, a 58-year-old former Parachute Regiment soldier whose sketches drawn amidst conflict in Ukraine were exhibited. Farthing, who took up drawing after retiring from military service, recounted how the Royal Drawing School encouraged and sustained his post-army creative journey. Farthing reflected on his time in Ukraine and the significance of the King’s interest, describing their brief conversation as “meaningful,” particularly given the King’s prior role as his regiment’s Colonel-in-Chief.
The school’s commitment to supporting alumni long after their studies was echoed by others in attendance. Acclaimed artist Grayson Perry underscored the broader importance of drawing in an era increasingly dominated by digital and artificial intelligence developments, highlighting how the medium underscores fundamental human expression.
Adding a musical note to the proceedings, singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright delivered a performance of ‘Hallelujah’ on piano—a poignant tribute that drew warm appreciation from the gathered audience. Wainwright, whose own artwork was part of the exhibition, spoke of the event’s significance and shared that it marked his first experience exhibiting in a gallery, choosing to wait for the “right venue” to showcase his piece.
Notably, the King’s own artistic efforts were also on display, with his pencil sketch of the gardens at Highgrove drawing attention from many attendees. The inclusion of the monarch’s work reinforced his deep personal connection to the arts and to the school he helped bring into existence.
Established as a not-for-profit institution, the Royal Drawing School now delivers over 350 courses annually—both in-person and online—catering for artists at all stages. Its flagship postgraduate programme, the Drawing Year, has become particularly well-respected within artistic circles and continues to draw applicants both from the UK and internationally.
**The Power of Drawing** exhibition is open to the public from 1 to 26 July at the Royal Drawing School in Shoreditch, east London. The celebration of the school’s anniversary extends into the future, with a planned series of talks, masterclasses, and public events running through 2026, ensuring that the legacy of drawing and the fostering of artistic talent remains firmly in the spotlight in the years ahead.