PRESS RELEASE
Two Bristol Artists Selected for Prestigious London Exhibition
Two Bristol-based artists are set to showcase their work in London this summer as part of one of the UK’s most historic art exhibitions. The Society of Women Artists (SWA) returns with its 165th Annual Open Exhibition, bringing together an exceptional collection of work from leading artists across the UK and internationally.
Among those selected for the 2026 exhibition are Bristol artists Miche Watkins and Gail Reid.
Miche Watkins paints vibrant pop-art, and will exhibit her new work Shared Silence. “I am drawn to sparseness and isolation, but also peace and joy—and I think the two can run in tandem. When I lived in South Africa I developed a style of painting that is spare in detail, with a single black outline and bright colours. My series ‘Alone not lonely’ is about navigating and embracing life alone as a woman”.
Miche co-runs North Street Gallery in Bedminster, a popular community gallery that helps new and emerging artists to exhibit their work, alongside more established artists.
Gail Reid, known for her narrative-driven portraiture, continues to build national recognition. A finalist in The Ruth Borchard Self Portrait Prize, Gail delivered a TEDx Bristol talk Body Image Through the Eyes of an Artist. As a semi-finalist on Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year (2023), Gail painted portraits of Jay Rayner and Emma Bunton.
Her selected work, Industry, is set in the café at Hengrove Leisure Centre and reflects the blurred boundaries between work and everyday life. “In this 24/7 world, people work anywhere, even in leisure centre cafés. I am proud that this important Bristol community space has caught the judges’ eye. Industry features my dear friend Angela Loveridge, who modelled for the painting. Angela died recently - greatly missed by her many friends and family, she was an enthusiastic supporter of my work, and would have been delighted about this exhibition”.
Gail has recently been elected as an associate member of the SWA, and will be giving a live portraiture demonstration at the exhibition on the afternoon of Saturday 27th June. Visitors will have a rare opportunity to observe her process, and gain practical tips for sketching quick portraits from live sitters.
Founded in 1855 by pioneering women excluded from the male-dominated art world of their time, the Society continues to champion women artists. Every generation of women since has taken the baton and run with it, with an energy and determination that comes through in their vibrant and eclectic work.
The exhibition runs from 23rd to 27th June 2026 at The Mall Galleries, on The Mall between Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square. Visitors can expect to see over 450 works spanning painting, sculpture, printmaking, and ceramics, with a rich mix of styles—from traditional to contemporary, abstract to figurative.
Special events include:
Young Artists Initiative Evening: Tuesday 23rd June, 6.00–8.30pm, featuring guest speaker Jo McLaughlin (Art Historian and Contemporary Curator), with wine and music.
Private View & Awards Ceremony: Wednesday 24th June, 10.00am–3.00pm, with official award presentations at midday.
For opening times and further information, visit:www.society-women-artists.org.uk
For artist websites, visit:www.gailreidartist.com , www.michewatkins.com