RA Collection: People and Organisations
Formed in 1805 to 'open a public exhibition for the sale of the productions of British artists, to excite the emulation and exertions of younger artists by premiums, and to endeavour to form a public gallery of the works of British artists, with a few select specimens of each of the great schools.'
The British Institution held two exhibitions each year, one of the old masters the other of contemporary art. The institution was driven more by the values of connoisseurship than those of artistic practice. The organisation ceased in 1870 and their old master exhibitions were adopted by the Royal Academy. The remaining capital of the Institution went to the formation of a fund for the ward of "British Institution Scholarships", these continue.
British Institution
British Institution For Promoting The Fine Arts In The United Kingdom. Founded, June 4, 1805, Opened, January 18, 1806. - The King's Most Excellent Majesty, Patron. His Royal Highness The Prince Regent, Vice-Patron And President. The Most Noble The Marquis Of Stafford, Deputy President. - - London:: 1815. Price One Shilling.
07/1113
John Britton
The fine arts of the English school; illustrated by a series of engravings, from paintings, sculpture, and architecture, of eminent English artists: with ample biographical, critical, and descriptive essays, by various authors; edited and partly written by John Britton, F.S.A. - London: 1812
07/695
Engravings Of The Most Noble The Marquis Of Stafford's Collection Of Pictures, In London, Arranged According To Schools, And In Chronological Order, With Remarks On Each Picture. By William Young Ottley, Esq. F.S.A. The Executive Part Under The Management Of Peltro William Tomkins, Esq. Historical Engraver To Her Majesty. - Vol. I. (- IV.) - - London:: 1818.
07/745
William Carey
A Descriptive Catalogue Of A Collection Of Paintings By British Artists, In The Possession Of Sir John Fleming Leicester, Bart. By William Carey, Esq.; With Occasional Remarks, &c.By Sir Richard Colt Hoare, Bart. [Epigraph] - London:: 1819.
06/2653