Royal Cambrian Academy of Art facts for kids
The Royal Cambrian Academy of Art (RCA) is a special place for art in Wales. It's like a hub for amazing artists! Their main art gallery is in Conwy, a beautiful town. More than 100 artists are members of this academy.
How the Royal Cambrian Academy Started
Early Attempts to Create an Art Academy
In the 1800s, people in Wales tried many times to create an art academy. They wanted one just like the famous ones in England, Scotland, and Ireland. These early attempts didn't quite work out.
Founding the Cambrian Academy of Art
The Royal Cambrian Academy of Art finally began in 1881. A group of 31 artists started it. Most of them were English painters, and many lived near the Conwy Valley. A famous artist named Henry Clarence Whaite led this group. Another founding member was Bernard Walter Evans.
Why Artists Loved North Wales
For a long time, artists from England would travel to Europe. This trip was called the "Grand Tour." But it became unsafe to travel there. So, artists started looking for new places to paint. The wild and beautiful areas of North Wales became very popular. The area around Betws-y-Coed was a favorite spot. Famous artists like David Cox came to paint there.
Art and the Railways
Later, railways made it much easier for artists to travel. Artists from cities like Liverpool and Manchester could easily bring their art supplies to Wales. These artists met with Welsh artists who shared their passion. They met at Llandudno Junction. From this meeting, they formed a group called the Cambrian Academy of Art.
Becoming the 'Royal' Academy
At first, the Academy didn't have its own permanent gallery. They sent out information to other artists in Wales. More and more artists joined them. They first showed their art only in North Wales. But soon, they welcomed artists from the south of the country too.
The Academy grew very quickly. Just one year after it started, in 1882, something special happened. Queen Victoria herself said that the Academy should be called the 'Royal' Cambrian Academy of Art. This was a huge honor!
Moving to Plas Mawr in Conwy
The Academy first had its home in Llandudno. This town already had many art galleries for tourists. But later, the Academy moved to Plas Mawr in Conwy. Plas Mawr is a very old house built in the Elizabethan style.
The Academy shared Plas Mawr with a local junior school. Lord Mostyn offered the house to the group. At the time, Plas Mawr was in bad shape. The Academy worked hard to restore it. Even though it was a grand old building, it wasn't perfect for an art gallery. So, in 1896, they added a new part called the Victoria Gallery.
The Academy in the 1900s
New Leaders and New Homes
In 1934, a very famous artist became the Academy's President. This was Augustus John, and he held the role until 1939.
Later, in 1994, the Academy made another big change. They were inspired by their President at the time, Sir Kyffin Williams. The Academy decided to move out of Plas Mawr. They opened a brand new gallery very close to their old home in Conwy.
Current Leaders of the Academy
Today, the President of the Royal Cambrian Academy is Jeremy Yates. Ann Lewis is the Vice President. The Academy's patron is Charles, Prince of Wales.
