Paula Reece exhibits at The Royal Academy
We are incredibly proud of Paula Reece, Senior Designer at Woodmansterne, who has exhibited at the Summer 2026 Exhibition at The Royal Academy.
Many of us might set ourselves New Year resolutions that fail by February, but this year Paula set herself a small goal that has taken her on a surprising journey.
Having worked in the studio at Woodmansterne since 2020, and having worked at several other greeting card companies, Paula’s aim was to get back into doing art in her spare time, for pleasure. Spending her days designing for the industry meant that being creative outside of work fell down the priority list, but this year Paula wanted to change that. Going back to her roots, she decided to focus on figurative illustrations. Finishing a mixed media piece she was especially proud of, titled ‘The Importance of being Idle’, she submitted it to the Royal Academy of Arts and waited patiently for their review in March, when she was told it had been shortlisted and then on 29th May her submission was selected to exhibit in the Summer 2026 Exhibition.
Paula was invited to attend the “varnishing day”, a 300-year-old tradition, believed to be called so because it’s when the artists used to go to do the final varnish of their works ahead of their public display. “It was a fascinating and slightly overwhelming day” says Paula, “We were invited exclusively, no plus ones, to attend the venue, then led by a brass band to a beautiful church service, before being allowed back to view the locations of our pieces on display.”
‘The Importance of being Idle’ went on sale with a limited edition print run of 50 and sold out straight away. When asked why she felt the piece has been so popular Paula said, “I think people really connect with it, life today is so busy and the idea of sitting and being idle is one everyone can relate to and understand, it’s a subtle nod to social commentary. People also love the colours and subtle oriental patterns.”
Art has been at Woodmansterne’s core since the very beginning and the company are proud to support many talented artists, both as employees of the company and external licensing and artist submissions.
“What an incredible achievement!” our Art Director Ian Blake said when asked. “Watching Paula's artistic journey has been such a privilege and seeing her work selected for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition is a testament to her exceptional talent.” He added.
Congratulations Paula!