Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours
Founded in 1831 for the encouragement of artists working outside the mainstream of traditional painting, the Institute was originally known as the New Society of Painters in Water Colours and was thus in direct opposition to the Royal Watercolour Society which had been founded in 1804. The RI differed in policy by exhibiting both members’ and non-members' work. Both societies challenged the Royal Academy's refusal to accept the medium of watercolours as appropriate for what they termed "serious art". The name was later changed to the Institute of Painters in Water Colours and then, on the command of Queen Victoria after the opening of the 1885 exhibition, it was designated a 'Royal' Institute.
The Institute's purpose-built gallery was opened in Piccadilly in 1885, the same year that the Royal Warrant was issued by Queen Victoria. The Gallery remained in Piccadilly until the lease expired in 1970, then joined with several other leading art societies in the Federation of British Artists based at the Mall Galleries which were opened by HM Queen Elizabeth in 1971. Illustrious former members in all its incarnations include Robert Hills, William Henry Pyne, John and Cornelius Varley, Joshua Cristall, John Glover, Edward Duncan, Thomas Shotter Boys, John Martin, Henry Bright, Thomas Miles Richardson, Tom Collier, James Orrock, Anna Airy. Although membership is limited to 100, the annual exhibition held at the Mall Galleries usually in March is open to non-members.
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Number of Artists referenced:
2,502