Picture This: More Wealthy Americans Are Tapping the U.K.’s Royal Painters for Personal Portrait

An avatar, Instagram selfie or AI clone is enough for some people.

But a growing number of Americans are going old school and having their portraits painted—and many are turning to Britain’s Royal Society of Portrait Painters to create those very analog images.

Founded in 1891, the society―whose members paint all portraits of the royal family―reported a 40% increase in portrait commissions from the U.S. in 2024. Americans now make up 20% of its clients.

“They love the connection to the royal family, and they’re excited about the idea of a trip to the U.K. for sittings,” said Martina Merelli, fine art commissions manager at London’s Mall Galleries.

Mall Galleries is the home of visual arts charity the Federation of British Artists, whose nine art societies include the Royal Society of Portrait Painters.

Merelli heads a portrait commission service that matches clients with artists, and guides them from sittings to completion. Private-commission clients range across age groups and location, though many are Americans based in London.

“Clients tell us, ‘When you have everything, what is it you’re missing?’,” she said. “It’s not vanity, which some people think it is. It’s a love thing. Some clients have multimillion-dollar homes full of art, but none of it means as much as a portrait commission of themselves, a spouse or their children.”

The Royal Society of Portrait Painters includes 46 painters chosen through “a tough selection process,” Merelli said. “We want to preserve the quality the society stands for.” Most members are British.

For Will Cappelletti, a 41-year-old Washington, D.C., entrepreneur, commissioning a portrait was “a bucket-list thing”―though he was skeptical of the idea at first.

“An ex had talked about having it done a few years ago, and I thought it was ridiculous and vain,” he said. “Why would you want to do that?”

But over time, Cappelletti “began to see something else. It’s not about being absorbed with yourself. It’s more about the fact that we live in a world with hundreds of thousands of images of ourselves getting created. They’re impermanent,” he said. “The nice thing about a portrait is that it’s meant to capture you.”

Partly inspired by “classic portraits in public spaces like the Ralph Lauren store on the Upper East Side” of New York, Cappelletti reached out to the portrait society about a commission.

“There is definitely a cultural component to why I chose to get the portrait done in the U.K.,” said Cappelletti, whose personal art collection spans American Impressionism, Greek and Roman antiquities, prints and books.

“The word ‘Royal’ in the title has a punch. I didn’t see a parallel organization in the United States. And most importantly, this commission service exists, with a portrait consultant who gets to know you and your preferences, and has an encyclopedic knowledge of the artists. That sealed it,” he said.

While the society usually recommends an artist based on a client’s input, Cappelletti had one in mind. He had seen a news report on Northumberland artist Frances Bell, who had once painted actor Derek Jacobi.

“I tacked on some personal days to a business trip in Europe, took the train to Northumberland, and was a guest of Frances, her husband and her two kids. She made a shepherd’s pie for dinner the first night and the sittings started the next day.”

Close collaboration with subjects “is extremely important,” said Bell, the artist, from her Northumberland home studio. “The view of themselves, or how people close to them see them, is really important. And when I consult them, they don’t say, ‘Can I be thinner? Can you give me better skin?’ It’s, ‘Please use more of that expression.’”

American clients “love the experience, love the sittings and love the interaction,” she said. “A lot of them are Anglophiles. They like hearing about our slightly different worlds. And I wouldn’t be surprised if Downton Abbey was an influence.

“We are the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, with the king as our patron, and the queen before him. I’m also based in Northumberland, which people love to visit. There’s a whole sense of adventure and oddness about it.”

While Cappelletti estimates he spent about $10,000 dollars on his wood-framed portrait―which now resides in his parents’ home in Ohio―commissions can average from £3,000 to £60,000 (US$3,810 to US$76,200), said Merelli of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters.

“The variables include the size, background, head-and-shoulders versus full length. But for an oil portrait, a good starting point is about £5,000 (US$6,350),” she said. About 80cm x 70 cm (31 inches x 28 inches) is a popular size, though some clients go much larger, Merelli said.

“As a charity, we’re here to preserve portraiture. And I’m here to help clients find the right artists. We send the client a very tailored portfolio of three to five artists, coordinate conversations between them, and finally connect them. It’s a bespoke experience.”

While the society charges no fee for the consultation, “we take a cut of 30%, which is much smaller than a commercial gallery. That supports our annual exhibition,” Merelli said.

Some clients also choose to share photos of themselves instead of taking time for in-person sittings, Merelli said. “Photos also work as people tend to be very busy. Of course at least one sitting makes the experience more interesting, but if needed, they can. We also work with posthumous portraits so photos are required,” she said.

Most clients hang their portraits in living rooms, “so people get to admire them,” Merelli said. “If there’s a long hallway, many will put them there, or over a fireplace, if they have one.”

In 40 years of private commissions, she said, the society “has never had a complaint about a portrait. It takes some adjusting to see yourself as someone else sees you,” Merelli said.

“And today, the artist sometimes has to remind them it’s not Photoshop. Some clients even come back over the years, to see the effects of time on themselves or capture changes in time.”

Cappelletti has no plans to sit for another portrait, “but never say never. If I ever have kids, I’d want them to have this experience,” he said. “From start to finish, this is one of those things you’ve got to do in life.”

Art can transform more than just walls—it shapes mood, evokes memory, and elevates the everyday. Discover how thoughtfully curated interiors can become living expressions of personal meaning and refined luxury, from sculptural furniture to bespoke murals.

Artful Abundance: The Sophisticated Joy of Artful Interiors

Imagine a hushed hospital corridor, its sterile walls awash in the glow of flickering fluorescent lights. In that unexpected moment, a solitary Monet painting emerged—a luminous tableau of delicate lilies dancing in quiet defiance.

As the clinical austerity yielded to the graceful presence of art, this single work transformed into a vessel of solace and hope amid overwhelming uncertainty.

That moment continues to resonate with me—a vivid reminder that art transcends mere aesthetics to become a profound catalyst for emotional healing and inspiration. It is this transformative experience that fuels my passion as a biophilic interior designer.

I create environments where every element, from bespoke murals to sculptural installations, harnesses art’s power to elevate the human spirit, spark creativity, and enrich lives. Let us journey together into the world of luxurious interiors that define modern elegance.

2. Art as Wellness: A Daily Ritual of Rejuvenation

At its core, art is a daily ritual that renews both mind and spirit. Scientific research consistently confirms that nature-inspired art reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and kindles creativity.

The simple act of beholding a tranquil landscape or a subtle floral motif transforms your space into a private retreat, offering solace amidst a hectic world.

In my practice, I meticulously select artworks chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their potent, therapeutic benefits.

Each piece serves as daily inspiration—a quiet invitation to experience calm and well-being. For example, our Hilton project demonstrates how hospitality resorts integrate nature-inspired art not only for its visual impact but also as a medium of healing; here, a collaboration with a local artist produced a masterful installation that functions both as a statement piece and a source of well-being.

3. Bespoke Brilliance: Celebrating Your Unique Narrative

Luxury design is profoundly personal. Bespoke art transcends mass-produced décor by capturing your unique story—whether through a custom mural reminiscent of your favourite botanical garden or silk wallpapers that evoke the allure of exotic landscapes.

Each personalised creation turns your walls into a living narrative of cherished memories and distinctive taste. Consider how a thoughtfully designed space can reflect your individuality and elevate your living experience.

4. Sculptural Elegance: Redefining Spatial Dynamics

Art is not confined to two dimensions. Three-dimensional sculptural works bring vitality to interiors by adding depth, texture, and tactile allure.

Picture a gracefully sculpted piece—a marble table echoing the gentle rhythm of ocean waves or a repurposed bronze branch serving as an elegant room divider.

Such statement sculptures command attention while seamlessly integrating form with function and providing a natural conversation starter in any refined space.

5. Architectural Artistry: When Structure Meets Art

A truly sophisticated home elegantly merges art with architecture. Imagine a residence where bespoke staircases curve with elegance, where hand-carved wooden doors evoke the intricate beauty of nature, and where expansive windows frame breathtaking vistas.

In these spaces, every architectural detail contributes to a cohesive canvas of artistic expression. As you envision your own home, consider how your surroundings can be thoughtfully designed to reflect both beauty and purpose.

6. Furniture as Functional Art: Merging Practicality with Mastery

In luxury interiors, even the functional becomes exceptional through artful design. Consider a one-of-a-kind, hand-carved pink marble swivel chair—a masterpiece where practicality meets refined craftsmanship.

More than just a piece of furniture, this chair sparks conversation and serves as an emblem of creative innovation and exclusivity.

Let this be a symbol of how every element in your home might reflect your dedication to exquisite artistry.

7. Digital Sophistication: The Future of Artistic Expression

In an age defined by rapid technological advancement, digital art installations offer a contemporary twist on traditional forms.

High-resolution displays now present dynamic landscapes—a cascade of waterfalls, the quiet majesty of a forest, or a serene digital ocean vista—that adapt and evolve with your environment.

This modern element seamlessly aligns cutting-edge technology with timeless aesthetics, ensuring your space remains as innovative as it is elegant.

8. Luxurious Textiles and Furnishings: The Essence of Understated Elegance

Luxury is often revealed in the details: the textures, colours, and fabrics that together create a haven of understated splendour.

Bespoke silk cushions with intricate botanical embroidery, sumptuous velvet throws that evoke tropical charm, and bedding that mirrors the ethereal beauty of cloudscapes all contribute to an atmosphere of refined elegance and comfort.

Every tactile detail is chosen to evoke warmth and stand as a testament to your taste for excellence.

9. Refined Heritage: Honouring Timeless Craftsmanship

In the realm of luxury, tradition and modernity exist in perfect harmony. Integrating timeless antiques—such as a rare Vladimir Kagan couch or a coveted Hans Wegner chair—with contemporary design creates a dialogue that honours both heritage and innovation.

These storied pieces carry with them a legacy of masterful craftsmanship, adding layers of significance and depth to your living environment. They remind us that true elegance is built upon a foundation of enduring quality.

10. The Art of Personal Meaning: Crafting Your Legacy

Ultimately, art is the language through which you express your unique legacy.

Every carefully chosen piece reflects a part of your personal journey, turning your living space into a narrative as emotionally resonant as it is visually stunning.

It imbues your environment with memories, aspirations, and the essence of who you are—a living masterpiece that evolves with time.

Reflect on how these elements might not only beautify your home but also stand as timeless expressions of your personal story.

Now is the moment to immerse yourself fully in the joy of art. Elevate your surroundings and transform your residence into your greatest masterpiece.

Your heart, your legacy, and your space deserve nothing less than extraordinary artistry.

Ozge Fettahlioglu is the founder of Cocoplum | Biophilic Design Studio and Boxareno | Custom Modular Constructions. A wellness and biophilic design leader, she creates bespoke spaces that inspire, heal, and elevate daily living. Ozge is also a board member of Biophilic Cities Australia.