Presidents of the Royal Academy
25 People in sitter grouping:
Sir Joshua Reynolds was elected the Royal Academy of Art's first president in its founding year in 1768. His presidency was critical in establishing many of the characteristics that would define this artist led organisation. In its pursuit to raise the status of the artist and foster a national school of art, alongside its exhibitions and classes, Reynolds also delivered his Discourses on Art, the nation's first series of lectures given on the subject of art. Whether they are architects, painters or sculptors, all presidents are practicing artists themselves and have included the Anglo-American painter Benjamin West and architect Sir Nicholas Grimshaw. Today, presidents are elected by their fellow 80 academicians. To be considered for the position, they must be younger than 75 and once elected, cannot be in office for more than 10 consecutive years. Although they can summon the Council and General Assemblies, they are encouraged to be impartial and can only vote on matters if the votes on decisions are tied.

Painter and President of the Royal Academy
Sitter in 18 portraits | Artist associated with 36 portraits

Painter; President of the Royal Academy and Director of the National Gallery; Trustee of the National Portrait Gallery
Sitter in 15 portraits | Artist associated with 2 portraits

Frederic Leighton, Baron Leighton
1830-1896Painter; President of the Royal Academy; ex-officio Trustee of the National Portrait Gallery
Sitter in 59 portraits | Artist associated with 8 portraits

Portrait painter and President of the Royal Academy; Trustee of the National Portrait Gallery
Sitter associated with 21 portraits | Artist associated with 102 portraits

Painter and President of the Royal Academy
Sitter in 11 portraits | Artist associated with 27 portraits

Portrait painter, collector and President of the Royal Academy
Sitter in 25 portraits | Artist associated with 689 portraits

Sir (Samuel Henry) William Llewellyn
1858-1941Artist and President of the Royal Academy
Sitter in 21 portraits

Sir John Everett Millais, 1st Bt
1829-1896Painter and President of the Royal Academy; ex-officio Trustee of the National Portrait Gallery
Sitter in 76 portraits | Artist associated with 41 portraits

Painter and President of the Royal Academy
Sitter associated with 11 portraits | Artist of 1 portrait

Sir Edward John Poynter, 1st Bt
1836-1919Painter and President of the Royal Academy; ex-officio Trustee of the National Portrait Gallery
Sitter associated with 30 portraits | Artist associated with 4 portraits

Painter and first President of the Royal Academy
Sitter associated with 39 portraits | Artist associated with 1415 portraits