“Did you know that the Royal Academy of Arts was founded by a King?” I ask my captivated audience. We stand before the majestic Burlington House its elegant facade gleaming in the London sunlight.
The Royal Academy of Arts a venerable institution stands proudly on Piccadilly. Founded in 1768 by King George III it’s a beacon of artistic excellence. Its creation was a bold step a royal endorsement of the arts. It was not just about painting and sculpture. Architecture was also crucial. Sir William Chambers a prominent architect played a key role. He used his royal connections to secure patronage and funding. He even designed the Academy’s first home in Somerset House.
Initially the Academy was housed in cramped quarters in Pall Mall. It was far from spacious. This made the move to Somerset House in 1780 a momentous occasion. A royal palace it provided more suitable accommodation. The Academy wasn’t just about exhibitions. It also focused on education. The Royal Academy Schools were established to train artists. This was modeled on the French Academie royale de peinture et de sculpture.
The first president Sir Joshua Reynolds played a crucial role. He delivered fifteen Discourses to the students. These emphasized copying the Old Masters. He stressed the importance of drawing from life. He believed in high moral and artistic standards. His influence shaped generations of artists. The Academy’s first exhibition opened in 1769. This was a Summer Exhibition. It has continued annually without interruption. This makes it the world’s oldest open submission exhibition.
Over the centuries the Royal Academy has occupied several prestigious addresses. It moved from Somerset House to Trafalgar Square. Finally it found its permanent home in Burlington House in 1868. It wasn’t all smooth sailing though. The Academy has faced controversy. The 1997 Sensation exhibition featuring works by Young British Artists was highly debated. One painting even caused vandalism. But the Academy continues to evolve. In 2018 a major refurbishment unveiled a “New RA”. This included new galleries a lecture theatre and a bridge linking two sites.
Today the Royal Academy of Arts is a thriving institution. It boasts a significant collection. It hosts world-renowned exhibitions. Its schools continue to train the next generation of artists. The Academy continues its mission to promote art. It does this through education exhibitions and debate. This building isn’t simply a museum. It’s a living testament to artistic excellence. It’s a symbol of Britain’s rich artistic heritage. And its presence here on Piccadilly is a constant source of inspiration.