Royal Birmingham Society of Artists facts for kids
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| Formation | 1821 |
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Formerly called
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Birmingham Society of Artists |
The Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA) is an exciting art society located in the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham, England. It owns and runs its own art gallery, the RBSA Gallery, which is on Brook Street near St Paul's Square. The RBSA is a registered charity and a company.
Contents
A Look Back: The RBSA's History
The RBSA started as the Birmingham Society of Artists in 1821. But its roots go back even further! In 1809, artists like Samuel Lines and Moses Haughton opened a special school for life drawing. This school helped artists learn by drawing from real models.
Early Days and Royal Recognition
This group of artists then formed the Birmingham Academy of Arts in 1814. They held their first art show that same year. In 1829, a gallery and offices were built for the Birmingham Society of Artists on New Street. It had a beautiful classical entrance.
In 1868, something very important happened: the RBSA received a royal charter. This meant it was officially recognized by the King or Queen! From then on, it became known by its current name, the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists.
Famous Artists and Influential Movements
The RBSA became very important in the late Victorian era. It played a big role in art movements like the Pre-Raphaelite and Arts and Crafts movements. Many famous English artists were members.
Some of its presidents were incredibly well-known, including Edward Burne-Jones, William Morris, John Everett Millais, and Lord Leighton. If you are a member of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, you can use the special letters "RBSA" after your name.
Teaching Art: A Key Goal
One of the RBSA's main goals from the very beginning was to teach art. They wanted to continue the art education started by Samuel Lines. At first, the society did this teaching itself. But in 1843, the Birmingham School of Art was created as a separate school. It later came under the control of the city in 1877.
Moving to a New Home
In the early 1900s, the RBSA faced money problems. Their old building on New Street was taken down and rebuilt as part of a business project. In 2000, the society moved completely to a new location.
They found a converted warehouse near St Paul's Square in the Jewellery Quarter. This new place is now called the RBSA Gallery. Charles, Prince of Wales (who is now King Charles III) officially opened it on April 12, 2000.
Outside the gallery, you can see two bronze plaques made in 1919. These are the earliest known works by William Bloye, who later became the society's president and a professor of sculpture.
In 2014, the gallery celebrated 200 years since its first exhibition! They held a special show called A Place For Art. It explored the gallery's long history of showing modern art.
Notable Presidents of the RBSA
Many talented artists have served as president of the RBSA over the years. Here are some of them:
- 1842–1849: Sir Martin Archer Shee, PRA
- 1850–1865: Sir Charles Lock Eastlake, PRA
- 1866–1878: Sir Francis Grant, PRA
- 1879–1880: Sir Frederick Leighton, Bart., PRA
- 1881–1882: Sir John Everett Millais, Bart., PRA
- 1885–1886: Sir Edward Burne-Jones, Bart.
- 1939–1945: Joseph Southall (sadly, he passed away while in this role in 1944)
- 1948–1950: William Bloye, FRBS
- 2012–present: Robert Neil
What the RBSA Does Today
The RBSA is still very active today! It continues to be an independent society that supports artists in the Birmingham area. They show off the artists' work in their gallery.
The RBSA also offers many fun activities. They have art demonstrations, workshops for adults and families, and special programs for schools. The Society also has a permanent collection of over 600 artworks. This includes pieces by famous artists from its past, like David Cox and Edward Burne-Jones.
Artists can apply to become "Associates" of the RBSA. If they are active Associates, they can then apply to become full "Members." Both steps require a vote from the existing members.
See also
- Category:Members and Associates of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists
