Grab an Art Bargain at RCA Secret 2009

RCA Secret is an annual contemporary art exhibition and sale consisting of around 2,500 original postcard-sized artworks, made and donated by professional artists, designers and illustrators, plus up-and-coming students from the Royal College of Art. The cards are all sold to the public in a huge sale, with every postcard costing just £40, regardless of whether it has been made by a famous name or a young art student.

What’s the Secret? Each postcard is signed on the back, so buyers don’t know the identity of the artist until they have made their purchase. Although it can help if you know the difference between a David Hockney and a Peter Blake, a lot of it is down to pure luck and many buyers don’t realise whose work they have chosen until they hand over their cash.

The RCA is grateful to receive enormous support from hundreds of leading international artists and designers who contribute to the event each year. Last year’s sale saw the most cards received in its 15-year history with 2,700 including contributions from Yoko Ono, Paula Rego, Tracey Emin, Grayson Perry, Olafur Eliasson, David Bailey, fashion designer Paul Smith, Stone Roses guitarist John Squire and animator Nick Park to name just a few.

Potential buyers will be able to view all the postcards in person at the RCA in London or on-line from 13–21 November. All postcards go up for sale on Saturday 21 November at the RCA. Postcards can only be bought on a first come, first served basis, with no sealed bids or reservations in advance. There will also be a raffle for buyers to win a position in the first fifty places in the queue.

As well as being a fundraiser for the Fine Art students at the College, RCA Secret has a loyal following of supporters including regulr collectors and art-lovers some of whom have been visiting the show since it began in 1994. It is not only one of the most popular events at the RCA, but has now become an established date in the British art calendar.

As in previous years all monies raised goes to the Royal College of Art Fine Art Student Award Fund. To date, sales of postcards have raised over £1 million for the Fund, helping hundreds of emerging artists at a formative stage in their careers.

Location: Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2EU
Viewing Days: 3-20 November, 11am – 6pm daily, 11am – 8pm on Thursday 19 November.
Sale Day: 21 November, from 8am.
Public information: 020 7590 4186 or www.rca.ac.uk/secret
Tube: South Kensington/High Street Kensington
Buses: 9,10, 52, 452

If you would like to register as a buyer please email: secret@rca.ac.uk with your contact details.