An uncanny group of metal and timber sentinels greet visitors when they enter the courtyard to the 2019 summer exhibition at the Royal Academy. These hybrid figures by Thomas Houseago mingle with the statue of Joshua Reynolds and are part of a collection of over 1,500 works coordinated by Jock McFadyen RA which opens to the public on the 10 June.

The theme continues as visitors are drawn into the colourful Wohl central hall, entitled; ‘menagerie’ which features an eclectic mass of species by individual artists that resonate beautifully within the space. All is not how it seems however; the beauty of nature is equally matched by its dystopian qualities, through unexpected distortions of its familiar animal forms and when viewed against a bleak monochrome photographic background of townships from one side of the gallery. Standout pieces within the space include those by Polly Morgan and Charles Avery.

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