LONDON, ENGLAND.- Since its first exhibition in 1946, the prestigious Royal Society of Marine Artists (RMSA) has represented and encouraged the very best in contemporary marine painting, drawing, sculpture and printmaking. As the Society now celebrates its sixtieth anniversary, it remains committed to continuing this long and distinguished tradition. The forthcoming October exhibition at London¹s Mall Galleries (near Trafalgar Square) provides a fantastic opportunity to view and buy new works by leading contemporary marine artists and is evidence of the flourishing interest in marine affairs.

“This Society was founded when the national consciousness of the sea and maritime affairs was much greater than it is today,” says Society President Geoff Hunt. “Yet the sea is still there, elemental, beautiful and sometimes terrible, and it remains a fact that the overwhelming bulk of the world¹s trade is carried by ships. The RSMA will continue to celebrate the sea this year, next year and in the following years ­ just as we have done every year since 1946.”

The exhibition takes place from 18th to 29th October with over 300 pictures on show, including work by current members resulting from a June visit to Devonport Dockyard at the invitation of the Royal Navy. A special display will include work that appeared in the inaugural show of 1946, providing a rare occasion to view pictures by founder members.

Work by today¹s internationally renowned members will hang alongside the best work by up and coming talent selected from the large open submission. Traditions of plein-air, topographical, historical, still-life, portrait, and abstract painting are all welcomed in a variety of mediums ensuring a fascinating and varied exhibition. The theme is the sea and everything connected with it - harbors, coasts, beaches, ships, yachts, sailing craft, people and history.