Summer Dive Tapestry at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2026
- Fiona Wyse
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Monday was Varnishing Day for the prestigious Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2026 — a special occasion when all selected artists are invited to attend a service at St James's Church, Piccadilly before gathering at the Royal Academy for a celebratory glass of champagne and, most importantly, the first opportunity to see their work installed in the Royal Academy.
Seven rooms in, I finally spotted my work mine - Summer Dive, (No. 1229), in the top right corner by the arch. Seeing your work displayed amongst so many incredible artists is a surreal experience. It's one of those moments where you have to stop and remind yourself that it really is happening.
Historically, Varnishing Day was an opportunity for artists to make final touch-ups to their work before the exhibition opened to the public. Whilst I'm sure artists can still do this if needed, today the event is a celebration of creativity and the artist community.
It was wonderful to reconnect with a few familiar faces, including someone I hadn't seen since my postgraduate days. But even if you don't know anyone, it's a really friendly event with artists more than happy to chat and share in the excitement of the day.
As a textile artist, I was particularly keen to seek out other textile-based works in the exhibition. During my wanderings, I spotted a stunning hand-tufted wall hanging, a striking tapestry, a beautiful embroidered work, and a colourful textile-inspired sculpture. I'm sure there were many more to discover, but between conversations and a few glasses of champagne, I realised I would need another visit to properly explore everything on display.
Exploring Interconnectedness
This year's Summer Exhibition was coordinated by Ryan Gander, whose theme of Interconnectedness invites visitors to consider the relationships, associations, and unexpected links that connect people, places, ideas, and experiences. Throughout the exhibition, artists respond to this theme in diverse and thought-provoking ways, creating a rich dialogue across disciplines and mediums.
About Summer Dive
My tapestry, Summer Dive, captures the invigorating feeling of plunging into cool water on a hot summer's day. Created during lockdown, the design emerged from a longing for simple pleasures and shared experiences that had suddenly become unavailable.
Drawing on memories of diving into a swimming pool to escape the heat of the sun, the piece celebrates the sense of freedom, joy, and release that comes with that fleeting moment between air and water. It reflects both personal nostalgia and a wider appreciation for the everyday experiences we often take for granted until they are out of reach.
Textile Works That Caught My Eye
Among the textile works I encountered were:
Code Stick No.4— yarn, thread and wood by Will Cruickshank
Earth Picture (Black and White Ruffed Lemur) — patchwork, appliqué and quilting by Yinka Shonibare
Visit the Exhibition
The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2026 runs from 16 June to 23 August 2026 and offers visitors the chance to experience an extraordinary range of contemporary art, architecture, photography, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, and more.
For further information about my Summer Dive tapestry, you can find it here on my website.
I can't wait to return and spend more time exploring the exhibition properly. For now, I'm still enjoying the thrill of seeing Summer Dive hanging on the walls of the Royal Academy. It's a moment I'll treasure for a very long time.
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