Contemporary British Portrait Painters: 2025

About

This summer, the Contemporary British Portrait Painters (CBPP) collective returns to The Department Store in Brixton for its third and most ambitious exhibition to date. Running from 26 June to 5 July 2025, this vibrant display of over 60 contemporary portrait artists explores the richness of shared human experience – from Hollywood icons (Cate Blanchett, Judi Dench) and cultural figures (Lenny Henry, Gyles Brandreth) to personal depictions of friends and family. 

The show brings together an outstanding group of artists, including seven previous winners of the National Portrait Gallery’s prestigious annual prize – Susanne du Toit, Miriam Escofet, James Hague, Philip Harris, Peter Monkman, Ishbel Myerscough, and Antony Williams –alongside five past winners of Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year: Samira Addo, Morag Caister, Curtis Holder, Duncan Shoosmith, and Wendy Barratt. 

An accompanying exhibition catalogue will be available, featuring an exclusive foreword by curator, art historian, and broadcaster Kate Bryan. 

Founded in 2018, the CBPP is a democratic collective that selects members based solely on the quality of their work. The group recently welcomed renowned artist Sarah Jane Moon as Chair, and is supported by a volunteer committee drawn from within its membership. From 2025 onwards, the CBPP exhibition will be an annual fixture on 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.” 

This year’s show continues the collective’s mission to promote excellence in figurative art and foster a sense of community among artists and audiences alike. With a strong social media presence, the CBPP provides an inclusive platform for artists, free from art-world gatekeeping and commercial pressure.