Explore the art and life of Richard Dadd
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Enter Richard Dadd's imagination
Our forthcoming exhibition surveys the highly original works of Richard Dadd, a Victorian artist whose work radiates imaginative power.
Though best known for his fairy paintings, Dadd drew upon literature, legend and memory while residing in Bethlem and Broadmoor hospitals to portray elaborate worlds that resemble little else in British art.
Richard Dadd: Beyond Bedlam opens 25 July 2026. Become a Friend for free entry to all exhibitions.
Start here: Richard Dadd
The literary greats that inspired Dadd's paintings, a fate-altering trip abroad and his surprise connection to Queen – here are five things to know about the Victorian artist's unique life and art ahead of the first major exhibition of his work in five decades.
A window into Victorian Britain
Curator talk: Richard Dadd
Discover the extraordinary work of Victorian artist Richard Dadd, whose fairytale worlds weave together myth, memory, and imagination.
In person
Saturday 12 September 2026, 11am - 12.15pm
Art in Victorian Britain
Learn about a defining century of British art during this six-week talk series.
In person
Tuesdays from 1 September 2026, 6.30 - 7.45pm
From the RA Shop
Bring a touch of folk to your table
Discover a homeware collection inspired by British folklore and slow living. Handcrafted ceramics, woven textures and natural materials come together in soft summer colours, creating pieces made for easy entertaining and memorable gatherings.
Shop now and set the table for the perfect summer fête.
New summer jewellery
Step up your jewellery game with our new pieces from the RA Shop. Discover unique, wearable works of art including shaped brooches, statement necklaces, sculptural bracelets and rings.
More art to enjoy
Ugo Rondinone's flags for Art in Mayfair
Ugo Rondinone's joyful courtyard sculpture isn't the only example of his work that you can see for free in Mayfair during summer.
The artist has also designed a series of 54 colourful flags on Bond Street inspired by sunrise and sunset, in partnership with Art in Mayfair. Catch them on the street until mid-August.
Summer Exhibition 2026 is open until 23 August.
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Thanks to our supporters
Richard Dadd: Beyond Bedlam is supported by the Tavolozza Foundation and Cockayne – Grants for the Arts. With additional support from Colin McCorquodale, the late Miss Rosemary Lomax-Simpson and The Dr. Lee MacCormick Edwards Charitable Foundation.
Piccadilly entrance:
Burlington House,
Piccadilly
London
W1J 0BD
Please check our website for the latest opening times and to plan your visit.
Piccadilly entrance:
Burlington House,
Piccadilly
London
W1J 0BD
Please check our website for the latest opening times and to plan your visit.
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Images:
Richard Dadd, The Fairy Feller’s Master-Stroke (detail), 1855–64. Oil on canvas, 54 x 39.4 cm. Tate: Presented by Siegfried Sassoon in memory of his friend and fellow officer Julian Dadd, a great-nephew of the artist, and of his two brothers who gave their lives in the First World War 1963. Photo: Tate
Richard Dadd, Bacchanalian Scene (detail), 1862. Oil on wood, 35.6 × 24.1 cm. Lent from a private collection 1993. Photo: Tate
Henry Hering, Portrait of Richard Dadd (detail), c. 1857. Photographic print, 15.5 x 20 cm. Courtesy of Bethlem Museum of the Mind. Alex Fox (Roy Fox Fine Art Photography)
Sir John Gilbert RA, Sketches of Queen Victoria (detail), 1887. Pen and ink on wove paper, 202 x 126 mm. © Royal Academy of Arts, London
Photo: © Royal Academy of Arts, London
David Parry/PA Media Assignments
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