Royal Academy of Arts

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The Royal Academy of Arts (RA) is an art institution based in Burlington House on Piccadilly in London. It has a unique position as an independent, privately funded institution led by eminent artists and architects. The Royal Academy is known for its annual Summer Exhibition, which is open to submissions from artists around the world.

History

The Royal Academy of Arts was founded in 1768 by a group of 36 artists and architects who were determined to achieve professional recognition for their work. The founding members included notable figures such as Joshua Reynolds, who became the first president, and Thomas Gainsborough. The Academy was granted a royal charter by King George III.

Functions

The Royal Academy of Arts has three main functions: to promote the creation, enjoyment, and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions, education, and debate. It organizes a range of exhibitions, including retrospectives of major artists and themed exhibitions. The RA Schools, the oldest art school in Britain, offers a three-year postgraduate program.

Summer Exhibition

The Summer Exhibition is the world's largest open submission art show and has been held annually since 1769. It features a wide range of works in different media, including painting, sculpture, photography, and printmaking. The exhibition is a significant event in the art calendar and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Collections

The Royal Academy's collection includes works by past and present Academicians, as well as other significant artists. The collection is housed in the RA Collection Gallery and includes paintings, sculptures, prints, and drawings. Notable works include pieces by John Constable, J.M.W. Turner, and David Hockney.

Membership

Membership of the Royal Academy is limited to 80 practicing artists and architects, known as Royal Academicians. New members are elected by the existing Academicians. Honorary membership is also granted to distinguished individuals in the arts.

Burlington House

The Royal Academy has been housed in Burlington House since 1868. The building, located on Piccadilly, is a Grade II* listed building and also houses other learned societies, including the Linnean Society of London and the Geological Society of London.

Related Pages

• Joshua Reynolds
• Thomas Gainsborough
• John Constable
• J.M.W. Turner
• David Hockney
• Burlington House
• Piccadilly
• London
• RA Schools
• Summer Exhibition

See Also

• National Gallery
• Tate Britain
• Victoria and Albert Museum
• British Museum