Instrument of Foundation

RA Collection: Archive

Reference code

RAA/IF/1

Title

Instrument of Foundation

Date

10 Dec 1768

Level

Sub-series

Extent & medium

1 document, 26' x 38', double elephant (approx.)

Content Description

The final iteration of a plan for the Royal Academy, amounting to its founding Constitution. Comprising twenty seven clauses which detail the governance of the Academy's administration and membership, its schools, exhibition and staff. Signed by George III and dated 10th December 1768. Thirty six artists are listed as the founding members of the Royal Academy, and William T. Whitley notes in Artists and their Friends, 1700-1799, vol.1, p.249 that the presence of Johann Zoffany and William Hoare reveals these names to have been added to the document no earlier than 11th December 1769.