Founders of the Royal Academy of Arts

The Royal Academy of Arts was founded to offer training for artists and provide an exhibition space. It's founding members wanted to raise the status of the artist, which in turn would encourage and foster a national school of art. The architect sir William Chambers, was able to secure royal and financial support from his connections to George III, who passed a personal act in 1768 to found the Academy. The 34 founding members included Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788) and Thomas Sandby (1721-1798), who were presided over by its first president Joshua Reynolds. Today, current Academicians include David Hockney and Sir Antony Gormley.