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- group '185'


Founders of the Royal Institution of Great Britain


Founded in 1779 by the leading scientists of the day, the Royal Institution of Great Britain was established for the advancement of scientific research and discovery and for 'the application of science to the common purposes of life'. In the same year, George Finch, 8th Earl of Winchilsea was elected the institution's first president to advocate the sciences and new technologies to the general public. 21 Albemarle Street was acquired in 1799 to provide laboratories, lecture theatres and living quarters. In 1810, it became a public institution through an Act of Parliament and today, anyone is eligible for membership, with no academic or annual subscription required. In 1825, Michael Faraday delivered the first series of Christmas lectures, aimed at introducing science to 'a juvenile auditory'. These series of lectures with demonstrations would became a distinctive and enduring feature of the institution.

Sir Joseph Banks, Bt

Sir Joseph Banks, Bt

1743-1820
Explorer and botanist
Sitter associated with 35 portraits
Francis Russell, 5th Duke of Bedford

Francis Russell, 5th Duke of Bedford

1765-1802
Whig politician and agriculturist
Sitter associated with 39 portraits
Sir Thomas Bernard, 2nd Bt

Sir Thomas Bernard, 2nd Bt

1750-1818
Philanthropist
Sitter in 6 portraits
Henry Cavendish

Henry Cavendish

1731-1810
Physicist
Sitter in 4 portraits
Thomas Pelham, 2nd Earl of Chichester

Thomas Pelham, 2nd Earl of Chichester

1756-1826
Statesman
Sitter in 4 portraits
Richard Clark

Richard Clark

1739-1831
Attorney and Chamberlain of London
Sitter in 7 portraits
John Dalton

John Dalton

1766-1844
Chemist and natural philosopher
Sitter in 15 portraits
Sir Humphry Davy, Bt

Sir Humphry Davy, Bt

1778-1829
Natural philosopher
Sitter in 20 portraits
William Cavendish, 5th Duke of Devonshire

William Cavendish, 5th Duke of Devonshire

1748-1811
Lord High Treasurer of Ireland
Sitter in 8 portraits
Michael Faraday

Michael Faraday

1791-1867
Scientist
Sitter in 28 portraits
Thomas Garnett

Thomas Garnett

1766-1802
Physician and natural philosopher
Sitter in 2 portraits
Samuel Glasse

Samuel Glasse

1735-1812
Rector of Wanstead
Sitter in 1 portrait
Sir John Coxe Hippisley, 1st Bt

Sir John Coxe Hippisley, 1st Bt

1748-1825
Politician and diplomat
Sitter in 1 portrait
Henry Holland

Henry Holland

1745-1806
Architect
Sitter associated with 2 portraits
George Keith Elphinstone, Viscount Keith

George Keith Elphinstone, Viscount Keith

1746-1823
Admiral
Sitter in 5 portraits
Sir Benjamin Thompson, Count von Rumford

Sir Benjamin Thompson, Count von Rumford

1753-1814
Scientist; founder of the Royal Institution
Sitter in 9 portraits
Sydney Smith

Sydney Smith

1771-1845
Wit and Canon of St Paul's
Sitter in 9 portraits
Sir John Soane

Sir John Soane

1753-1837
Architect
Sitter in 7 portraits