The Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington Gardens

The RA has a unique position in being an independent, privately funded institution led by eminent artists and architects who hold the commomn purpose of promoting the creation, enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions, education and debate.

The Royal Academy was founded by George III in 1768. The 34 founding Members included a group of prominent artists and architects such as Sir Joshua Reynolds and Sir William Chambers who were determined to achieve professional standing for British art and architecture. They also aimed to provide a venue for exhibitions that would be open to the public; and to establish a school of art through which their skills and knowledge could be passed to future generations of practitioners.

The current President of the Academy is Sir Nicholas Grimshaw, an architect. Past Royal Academicians include John Constable, Thomas Gainsborough, JMW Turner, Lord Leighton and Stanley Spencer, while current Members include Norman Foster, Richard Rogers, David Hockney, Tracey Emin, Antony Gormley and Anish Kapoor.

Website: http://www.royalacademy.org.uk/