General Information
The exhibition will take place online from 01 June to 30 June 2026.

Eligibility
Submissions are invited from visual botanical artists working in any two- or three-dimensional media, excluding photography, digital or AI images and giclée printing (or similar).. 

The work must have been completed within the past three years and must not have been shown previously at any SBA exhibition. 

All work must be original and not copied. However, work copied from a photograph is allowed, provided the photographer is credited and has granted permission to use the image as a reference.  

Submission Procedure
Submission is by online entry only. The maximum number of entries per artist is three. Please click on the link from our website or email and follow the instructions. 

Please note that refunds will not be given in the event of work not being selected.  

Measurements 
You must provide the framed measurements of the work in centimetres.   
 

Communications
All communication will be via email or through the online login process. Applicants must log in to the OESS site to check if their work has been selected. 
 

Selection 
The Selection Committee will select the works for the exhibition. The Selectors will consider all correctly completed submissions. The decision of the Selectors on all matters is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Final inclusion in the exhibition is at the discretion of the exhibition organisers. 
 

We are pleased to accept work that is not for sale. 

Guidance from the Selection Committee 
Please submit high-resolution scans or high-quality photographs to best showcase your work, with each image being at least 1 mb. Good results can be achieved with tablets and mobile phones but ensure there is sufficient light (particularly when the background appears grey in a photograph), that the image is in focus, there are no reflections through glass, and that the angle is correct when work is propped up. 

Poor-quality images will not be accepted.

Sales
The SBA will not be charging a commission on sold work.  
 

Each artist is responsible for selling their own work. To ensure buyers can contact you, please ensure the email address on your OESS profile is up to date. 

Agreement 
By submitting to the exhibition, you are deemed to accept and agree to the following: 

• The decision of the selectors on all matters is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
• I understand that the organisers reserve the right to make such changes to the exhibition arrangements and these Terms & Conditions as may be deemed necessary by circumstances.
• I authorise the organisers to process, store, and utilise the data in my submission and agree that, if selected for the exhibition, images of my work can be freely used by the Society of Botanical Artists for promotional and publicity purposes.
• All information I provide is true and accurate, and the work submitted is entirely of my creation.
• I have read and understood these Terms and Conditions, and by submitting this application, I accept and agree to observe all the Terms and Conditions contained herein. 
   

Please Note: The above terms and conditions are provided by the exhibition organisers.

For terms and conditions which apply to the use of the OESS entry system please view below:
OESS Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy

Printmaking 2026 Terms & Conditions

1. Eligibility

The competition is open to printmakers worldwide.

All submitted works must be original prints created by the artist using recognised printmaking processes (see Section 4).

Works may be:

• Editioned prints
• One-off prints
• Monotypes or monoprints
• Artist Proofs
• Variable Editions

Giclée prints, digital reproductions, or reproduction prints of any kind are not eligible.

There is no set theme for Printmaking 2026. The aim of the competition is to showcase excellence in contemporary printmaking worldwide, providing a platform for printmakers from across the globe to celebrate their craft, highlight technical skill, and explore innovative approaches that push the boundaries of the medium.

2. Submission Procedure

Entries must be submitted online only via the Olist platform.

Applicants must create an account on Olist in order to submit work.

Maximum of 6 artworks per artist

Maximum framed size (UK physical exhibition): 50cm x 50cm

High-quality image required (JPEG or PNG, 1–4MB)

Full description required (technique, size including frame, edition details)

Entry Fee:

£22 per artwork

£18 per artwork (students)

It is the artist’s responsibility to ensure their work meets all eligibility and presentation requirements before submission. Entry fees are non-refundable.

3. Sale & Commission

If your artwork sells, you will receive 60% of the final sale price, with the gallery retaining a 40% commission (inclusive of VAT). Any unsold works can either be collected after the exhibition or arranged for return. Collection details will be shared towards the end of the exhibition, and alternatively, you may choose our Packaging & Shipping service to have your work returned directly to you.

Ironbridge Fine Arts Printmaking Open 2026 – Terms & Conditions

1. Eligibility

UK Applicants: Must be resident in the United Kingdom. Final framed artworks must not exceed 50 cm × 50 cm.

International Applicants: Artists based outside the UK may enter with no size limit. Works will be included in the online exhibition and displayed digitally in the gallery space; physical exhibition is UK only.

Republic of Ireland: Entries are considered international and are not eligible for physical exhibition or UK-based prizes.

2. Submissions

Up to 6 artworks per artist may be submitted.

Entry fees: £22 per artwork (£18 for students & under 25s). Non-refundable.

Upload high-resolution images with a description including technique and size.

Artists are responsible for confirming eligibility; no refunds will be given.

All submissions must be completed by 5 pm on 11th May 2026 via the Olist platform.

3. For Sale / Not For Sale

If for sale:

Prices must be inclusive of VAT where applicable.

Prices must be confirmed at submission and cannot be changed after selection.

If a work sells:

Artist receives 60% of the sale price; Ironbridge Fine Arts retains 40% commission (inclusive of VAT).

Gallery manages all sales transactions.

If a framed work sells and a customer requests another print from the edition, the gallery may contact the artist to confirm availability and supply cost. Any subsequent sale is subject to artist confirmation.

4. Accepted Printmaking Techniques

Etching (any metal)

Drypoint

Mezzotint

Photo-Etching (Solar Plate, Dry Film, Photogravure, Photo Emulsion)

Collagraph (including collage, card cut-out, carborundum, Tetra-pack)

Relief printing (Lino, Woodcut, Engraving, Woodblock, Multi-plate, Reduction)

Monotypes & Monoprints

Lithography

Mokulito

Viscosity Printing

Letterpress

Gelli Plate Printing

Cyanotype

Silkscreen

Gyotaku

Botanical Transfer Printing

Printmaking collage (using the above processes)

Only original printmaking processes are accepted.

5. Selection Process

All submissions are reviewed by a selection committee.

Selection is based on: artistic quality, technical ability, originality, and overall presentation.

Decisions of the selection committee are final; no correspondence will be entered into.

Works not meeting size, framing, or eligibility requirements may be refused.

6. Exhibition Details

Physical Exhibition (UK only): Selected UK works will be displayed at Ironbridge Fine Arts Gallery, Shropshire.

Online Exhibition (UK & International): All selected works will be displayed digitally on the gallery website and virtual exhibition platform.

Catalogue: All selected works will appear in the Printmaking 2026 Catalogue, available to purchase online.

7. Key Dates

Online applications close: 11th May 2026, 5 pm

Announcement of selected works: 23rd May 2026 (check results via Olist)

Delivery of selected works (UK only): 19th–20th June 2026, 10 am–4 pm

Private View & Prize Announcement: 4th July 2026, 12 pm–4 pm

Exhibition Opens: 4th July 2026

Exhibition Closes: 26th September 2026

Collection of unsold works (UK only): 2nd & 3rd October 2026, 10 am–4 pm

8. Framing & Presentation (UK Applicants Only)

All submitted works must be framed to a minimum Level 2 Conservation standard using professional materials.

Acid-Free Materials:
All mount boards, backing boards, and tapes must be acid-free to prevent yellowing or deterioration over time.

Archival Mounting:
The artwork should be mounted in a way that avoids direct adhesive contact, often using hinges, corners, or archival tape.

Protective Glazing:
Glazing must be glass or acrylic (no styrene), protecting the artwork from dust, dirt, and UV damage. Standard glass will be accepted but UV protected is preferred. 

Structural Integrity:
Frames must be sturdy and secure, capable of supporting the artwork safely without risk of warping or breaking. 

Glazing: Glass or acrylic only – styrene is not accepted. Standard glass will be accepted but UV protected is preferred. 

Accepted hanging systems: D-rings, strap hangers, or mirror plates.
Not accepted: sawtooth hangers, clip frames, or any damaged/unstable frames.

Frames must be clean, structurally sound, and fitted with appropriate hanging hardware. Works that do not meet these standards may be refused.

International Applicants: You are not required to submit physically framed works. Digital submissions are sufficient, and framing will only be required if your work is selected for exhibition in the UK.

9. Delivery (UK Applicants Only)

Selected works must be delivered to:
Ironbridge Fine Arts, Shropshire, TF8 7NJ

Delivery dates: 19th–20th June 2026, 10am–4pm
Please note that late arrivals may not be accepted.

Artists are responsible for arranging delivery of their artwork to the gallery. We do not offer a collection service from artists’ homes or studios.

All works will be condition-checked on arrival. Any artwork found to be damaged may be deemed unsuitable for exhibition and therefore not hung.

Artists must ensure all packaging is removed following delivery or that arrangements are made for its removal.

We strongly recommend using a professional art courier. Wherever possible, couriers should remain on site while the artwork is unpacked and take all packaging materials away with them.

If delivery is made via an overnight or standard courier service where packaging cannot be removed at the time of delivery, the gallery will accept the work; however, a £10 unpacking and packaging disposal fee will apply. This covers the additional time required to carefully unpack the artwork and responsibly dispose of packaging materials through recycling.10. Insurance

Artists are responsible for insuring their work during transit and exhibition.

Ironbridge Fine Arts is not liable for loss or damage.

11. Collection & Storage

Unsold works must be collected 2nd–3rd October 2026, 10 am–4 pm.

Uncollected works incur a £10/day storage fee.

After 30 days, uncollected works may be removed or disposed of at the gallery’s discretion.

12. Packaging & Shipping Return Service

Unsold works may be returned via the gallery’s shipping service (fees apply).

Once handed to an external courier, Ironbridge Fine Arts is not responsible for loss or damage. Artists are advised to insure their work.

13. Copyright & Image Use

Artists retain full copyright.

By entering, you grant Ironbridge Fine Arts permission to use images for promotional purposes, exhibition, catalogue, website, and marketing.

If you do not wish your work to be used for promotional purposes, notify the gallery prior to submission.

14. Data Protection

Personal information will be processed solely for competition administration and handled in accordance with GDPR.

15. General Agreement

By submitting work, artists confirm:

The work is entirely their own creation.

All submission details are accurate.

They agree to these Terms & Conditions.

They accept the selection committee’s decision is final.

Please Note: The above terms and conditions are provided by the exhibition organisers.

For terms and conditions which apply to the use of the OESS entry system please view below:
OESS Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy