Bankside is the Gallery of the Royal Watercolour Society (RWS), and the Royal Society of Painter‑Printmakers (RE). We are situated in central London on the south bank of the River Thames, just across the Millennium Bridge from St Paul’s Cathedral and the City of London.
Our vibrant exhibitions celebrate the very best in contemporary water-based media and original prints, championing the work of new and established artists. For over 30 years Bankside Gallery has played a crucial role in displaying and promoting work on paper, exploring its boundaries while supporting education activities organised by the RWS and RE.
The Gallery also hosts many of the UK’s leading art competitions, including the RWS Contemporary Watercolour Competition and the National Original Print Exhibition, providing a platform for new and established artists.
Bankside Gallery is an educational charity and we receive no funding from the government and rely solely on sales, and support from Friends and Patrons. Most artworks on display at the Gallery, and featured on this website, are available for sale and Gallery staff are able to assist you with any purchase. You can even spread the cost with the Own Art interest free credit scheme.
Opened by Her Majesty the Queen in 1980, Bankside Gallery is a registered educational charity, number 293194
