LONDON, ENGLAND.- The Royal Institute of Oil Painters presents today its 116th Annual Exhibition. The exhibition was opened by The Rt. Hon. Ann Widdecombe, MP at the The Mall Galleries, The Mall London.

The former Conservative Minister Ann Widdecombe lists reading and researching Charles II¹s escape as her leisure pursuits in Who’s Who. It will be interesting to hear her views on art when she opens the annual exhibition of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters at 3.30pm on Tuesday 25th November. Previous exhibitions of the Institute, founded in 1882 with royal patronage, have included works by Alma Tadema, Sickert, Fantin Latour and Rodin.

There are over 60 members of the Institute and it is the only major society showing works exclusively in oils, with both figurative and abstract works on display. Exhibits range from Peter Graham¹s The Masters Lodge, a scene reminiscent of Brideshead Revisited to Helen Hayes¹s strikingly structured Stormy Weather  and from Trevor Chamberlain¹s evocative Old Teheran to the exotic Summer Solstice by the President Olwen Tarrant.  The output of members of the Institute, as seen in this exhibition, contrasts strongly with the sensation of the exhibits shortlisted for the Turner Prize, whose winner is announced at Tate Britain, on 7th December.

There are many prizes and awards. Artists can submit a maximum of 6 works, a maximum of which 4 will be selected. Acceptable media: Oil. All work must be for sale with a minimum price of £300.