History of Art Schools and The Royal Academy of Art.

The Royal Academy of Art

It has been said that no art schools existed prior to the 18th century and that most English artists took their inspiration from foreign artists and painters. However, a few English artists got together in the later half of the 18th century and decided that there should be an art academy in London.

The Royal Academy of Arts was founded in 1768. It was led by Joshua Reynolds, a portrait painter. This school was offered to the public to educate individuals in the arts of painting, sculpting, and drawing. This academy was officially under King George III. However, it received no funding from the royals and was free to operate in any way the founder’s saw fit.

To survive financially, the Royal Academy of Arts charged admission to the general public for viewing of work and art by the members of the academy. There was not a fee for individuals who wanted to take art and design classes. It was all free of charge. Scholarships were readily available to the student who wanted to study abroad, and to help needy or destitute students.

The premise behind the founding of The Royal Academy of Arts was to give new and aspiring artists the opportunity to become known in their craft. A summer exhibition was done yearly to showcase the art work of the students and members. The Royal Academy of Arts is sometimes considered very conservative. However, it has become known world wide as a place of influential teaching and it currently exhibits art from around the world.

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The location of the academy has changed over the years from Pall Mall, to Somerset House, to Trafalgar Square. Its final location is Burlington House in London. Some famous artists of this time period include: Thomas Gainsborough, Joshua Reynolds, George Romney, and Sir Thomas Lawrence.