Short Description

This is your chance to take part in a contemporary, adventurous and creative show, presenting a positive challenge to those with pre-conceived ideas about pastel and dry media. 

The exhibition will celebrate the ‘direct touch’ of dry media. ‘The joy of dry media is its ability to transmit feelings through the hand directly onto paper,’ says the Society, ‘The touch is evident and powerful.’

Eligibility

  • Work must have been completed within two years prior to the exhibition and not have been exhibited previously at the Mall Galleries.
  • Works should be no larger than 2.4m along the longest dimension. 
  • All works must be an original creation by the artist
  • Any artist aged 18 or over may enter, from anywhere in the world. 
  • All types of pastel, including soft pastel, hard pastel, oil pastel, ink pastel, water-based pastel, conté crayons or sticks, sanguine, and other dry mediums that are similar in their application, including charcoal, chalk, and pencil. Mixed media and three-dimensional works are welcome where pastel or another dry media is the primary medium.
  • However, all work that is submitted must have a full description of the media used and any process which has been employed in the finished work beyond drawing and painting, e.g. printing, photography. Please note that failure to do this may result in unnecessary rejection on the grounds that work deserves to be judged on a like for like basis and because any buyer should be made aware of what they are buying.

How to Apply

Online Application

Program Benefits & Awards

  • Caran d’Ache Prize
    £1,000 for the best work in the exhibition as selected by Caran d’Ache
  • Pastel Society Prize
    £1,000 for the best work in the exhibition selected by the Pastel Society Council
  • The Yoshimoto Prize
    £1,000 for an outstanding work in any dry medium by a non-member
  • The President’s Prize
    £500 for the best work by an artist aged 35 or under
  • The Bob Last Prize
    £400 for a work that celebrates the spirit of Bob Last (1932-2020), a member of the Pastel Society who was known for his imaginative use of dry media, excellent drawing skills, and passion to present work that was different and innovative. With thanks to his daughters, Joanne Last and Jackie Jones, who will select the prize winner.
  • The Anthony J Lester Art Critic Award
    A certificate and cheque for £50
  • Caran d’Ache Product Prize
  • Frank Herring Award
  • Henri Roche Award
  • Mamut Award
  • Pith Sketchbook Award
  • Schmincke Award
  • UART Award
  • Unison Member Award
  • Unison Non-member Award
  • Unison Young Artist Award
  • West Design Award

Publication Prizes:

  • The Artist Magazine Award
    A feature article in The Artist magazine
  • Pastel Society Catalogue Awards | First and Second Prize
    The winning works illustrated in the exhibition catalogue
  • Visitors’ Choice Award
    A set of Caran d’Ache pastel pencils

Entry Fee

There is a non-refundable submission fee of £20 per work, or £14 per work for artists aged 35 or under. 

The submission fee includes free admission to the exhibition (normally £6). 

Location

London, United Kingdom

Timeline

  • Application Deadline: 14 November 2025

Website Link: https://www.mallgalleries.org.uk/open-calls/pastel-society

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