Discover small-scale British art at The ING Discerning Eye

The annual ING Discerning Eye returns to the Mall Galleries this month with its most ambitious show to date, bringing together more than 730 small-scale artworks by 529 artists – all for sale – showing that ambitious visions can arrive in small frames.

Each piece measures under 50cm, yet together they reveal the breadth of British creativity, from bold new talent to established names, gathered in one of London’s most quietly influential exhibitions. The show runs from 14 to 23 November 2025, with all works also available online until 1 January 2026.

A fixture in the city’s art calendar, the Discerning Eye exhibition has run since 1990 and has been supported by ING for 27 years. Curated by six figures from across the creative landscape – artist Curtis Holder, sculptor Polly Morgan, photographer Richard Ansett, writer and broadcaster Rosie Millard OBE, art historian Dr Chris Stephens and collector Nicholas Scott – the exhibition captures the sheer range and vitality of contemporary British art.

Selections were made independently, so every artist is here because their work connected with a selector. “We were all bowled over by the number and quality of submissions,” says Stephens. “The level of skill and effort was overwhelmingly successful,” agrees Morgan.

Compact art suits city life. These are the kind of pieces that slip easily into London homes, from hallway picture walls to the quiet corners of kitchen tables and desks.

Prices range from accessible to aspirational, and each is an original artwork created by the artist, from paintings and sculptures to limited-edition prints and photographs. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned collector, there is something to discover at every turn. “I think it’s going to be a truly exciting show,” says Holder.

That accessibility is part of the exhibition’s DNA. Since its inception, the ING Discerning Eye has aimed to open up the art world, giving emerging and established artists an equal platform. Over the past quarter-century it has exhibited more than 12,500 works, supported around 4,000 artists, awarded £300,000 in prizes and sold nearly £1.5 million worth of art.

This year the exhibition will award £15,000 in prizes, including the £5,000 ING Purchase Prize. It’s a remarkable record for a show that remains approachable and grounded.

Behind that legacy lies a partnership with ING, whose support since 1999 makes this one of the UK’s longest-running corporate art collaborations. The bank’s commitment has helped sustain not only the annual exhibition but also the creative careers that begin there.

“This exhibition is a distinctive initiative that promotes accessibility in the arts and provides an important platform for emerging talent,” says Alexandra MacMahon, UK country manager, ING.

This year’s selectors noticed subtle shifts across submissions, with more figurative portraiture, more storytelling and a renewed focus on the everyday. The result is a show that’s both diverse and emotionally resonant, a miniature reflection of how Britain sees itself through art in 2025.

Each selector curates their own section within the exhibition, showcasing everything from expressive drawings to stark photography, giving visitors six distinct yet complementary experiences. Together, they create a kaleidoscope of British creativity.

And while nothing compares to seeing the work in person, this year’s virtual edition extends until 1 January 2026, allowing visitors to browse and buy online at ingdeexhibition.org.

It’s a chance to take time with the work and look closely. You might discover something you want to live with.