Library and archive tour
Friends 40th anniversary
Monday 23 January 2017 6.30 - 8pm
Library and Academicians' Room Green Sofa, Burlington House, Piccadilly.
£25. Includes tour and drinks reception.
Friends of the RA book first
Join Archivist Mark Pomeroy and Head of the RA Library Adam Waterton as they uncover some of the most treasured items from the RA Collection. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Friends scheme, this intimate tour will highlight key pieces from the colourful history of the Friends of the RA, followed by a drinks reception in the Academicians' Room.
In January 2017, we will celebrate 40 years of the Friends of the Royal Academy scheme. Founded in 1977 to support the RA Schools and exhibitions, our Friends have been instrumental to the running of the Academy ever since. As a part of the Friends 40th anniversary, we are running a series of events to reflect on the successes of the past 40 years and to look forward to the future of the Academy in 2018 and beyond.
Established to serve the needs of the Royal Academicians and students in the RA Schools, the RA’s Library is one of the world’s most significant resources for the historical study of British art from 1760 to the present day. It is the oldest institutional fine-arts library in the United Kingdom. It houses significant collections of books and materials relating to British art and its history, as well as the history of the RA, Royal Academicians, RA Schools students, exhibitions and collections since the mid-18th century.
Housed in a beautiful and historic building, the Library provides a tranquil and fascinating glimpse into the history of the RA and its role in British art through the past three centuries. To start discovering the collection, explore our collection and research website.
This event will also be held on 25 January from 11am to 12.30pm.
Tickets to this event include a donation to support the redevelopment of the Royal Academy. For nearly 250 years, the RA has been a place where art is made, exhibited and debated. Thank you for supporting the future of the Royal Academy by participating in this event.
Booking is essential for this event; if you wish to bring a guest please book one ticket for each person.
£25. Includes tour and drinks reception.
Friends of the RA book first
Limited-edition products and prints, designed by you
To commemorate the Friends 40th anniversary, we asked Friends to create "art on A4", inspired by the question: what does the RA mean to you? Explore the new range of limited-edition products and prints designed using the artwork of the competition winner and five runners up.