Contemporary British Portrait Painters: 2026

Collective of Portrait Artists Returns to Brixton for Fourth Major Exhibition

This summer, the Contemporary British Portrait Painters (CBPP) collective returns to The Department Store in Brixton for their fourth exhibition. Running from 6 - 14 June 2026, the show brings together more than 50 contemporary portrait artists whose work explores the richness of shared human experience. Exhibiting artists include five previous winners of the National Portrait Gallery’s prestigious annual prize: Susanne du Toit, Miriam Escofet, James Hague, Peter Monkman and Ishbel Myerscough – alongside five past winners of Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year: Samira Addo, Brogan Bertie, Curtis Holder, Duncan Shoosmith, and Wendy Barratt. An accompanying exhibition catalogue will be available. Founded in 2018, The CBPP is a democratic artist-led collective whose members are selected solely on the quality of their work. Supported by a volunteer committee drawn from within the group, the exhibition returns to Brixton for a third consecutive year, establishing it as a key annual event in the UK’s cultural calendar. Reflecting on the ethos of the group, Sarah Jane Moon says: “The CBPP is a rare thing - a true artist-led collective that brings together some of the most exciting contemporary portrait painters working today. We’re committed to making space for a wider range of voices and approaches in the field, and to showing that collaboration, rather than competition, can be a powerful force in the art world.” Most works in the exhibition are available for purchase, with 100% of proceeds going directly to the artists: The CBPP takes no commission.

What to expect:
Painting, Drawing