Join the Hilliard Society

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

  • Artists, miniature art collectors and enthusiasts are all welcome as members.
  • Artists new to the society, or to miniature art, may contact the office for advice prior to exhibiting.
  • Non members are welcome to exhibit up to three works but will not receive notice of exhibition or the newsletter.
  • Non-members should contact the office for an Entry Form by March.
  • There is no limit to the number of works an exhibiting artist member may submit. 
  • Members are entitled to a page on the society website to showcase their work for free.
  • Commission charges are 35% on sales and should be included in the price of the work. This includes commissioned work resulting from the exhibition.
  • The annual exhibition is a juried show. All works are subject to a selection process and acceptance is not guaranteed. Please read our submission guidelines before sending work.
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

If you would like to become a member of the Hilliard Society of Miniaturists you can download the PDF Application form here. Please print and complete the form and send, together with the appropriate fees, to the Society.  If you experience any problems please get in touch.

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP AND EXHIBITION ENTRY FEES

  • Membership also includes two newsletters and free webpage on the Society website. Forms for exhibition entry will go out in February and the Spring Newsletter in mid-March.
  • Membership Categories are: Exhibiting Artist member or Friend/Patron* member.
Exhibiting Artist member  -                     £65 p/a.  £7 for first 4 entries, then £3 per work (no limit on number of entries).
Exhibiting Artist member (Under 21) -  £20 p/a.  £7 for first 4 entries, then £3 per work (no limit on number of entries).
Friend/Patron*   -                                       £28
Non- member  -                                          £12 per entry up to 5 works.

*Friend/Patron - This includes friends, patrons of the society, collectors and retired miniature artists wishing to retain membership and support the society.

PAYMENT

Payment can be made by bank transfer or cheque. Overseas exhibitors can pay by Paypal.

submission guidelines

Here we offer some Hilliard Society guidelines towards a definition of miniature art and the criteria set by the Society. Each of these points is taken into consideration by the judges on Selection Day. If you are unsure you are welcome to contact the Society for advice.

  • A high standard of draughtsmanship and composition.
  • Mastery of miniature technique in chosen media and palette.
  • No subject larger than life, portrait head no larger than 2”.
  • Frames and mounts must be of high quality, clean and in keeping with the painting.
  • Maximum image size: Rectangles 4.5” x 6”, Square 4.5”  Circle  4.5” diameter.         
  • Maximum external measurement (including frame) 50 square inches.


General points to remember -

The miniature, by virtue of the fineness of its detail, must stand up to the closest inspection whilst at the same time hold its own with good composition and tonal balance when viewed from a distance.  

A miniature is fine art on a small scale.  Media used for miniature art include paper, Ivorine, Ivorex, vellum and others, watercolour, oil, acrylic, pastel, pencil etc and works also include those of enamellers, engravers and sculptors.

Full details and guidelines for submission can be found here.

commissions

Many of our members accept commissions for miniature paintings and sculptures. You are welcome to contact the society for more information or to be put in touch with a particular artist. Examples of members work can also be seen in the Members Gallery of this website.