Friends Week: Behind the Scenes at the RA
Monday 16 May - Saturday 21 May 2016
Burlington House, Royal Academy of Arts
Free / £10. Booking required, Friends only.
Friends of the RA book first
A series of talks at the Royal Academy of Arts will give a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of the institution. Taking place throughout Friends Week, we are offering Friends an opportunity to gain insight to the RA’s inner workings through stories and anecdotes from the experts.
There is so much more to the Royal Academy than our world-class exhibition programme; this series of events celebrates the people making things happen behind-the-scenes. In each event, we will be inviting a key member of staff to meet with the Friends and discuss their role at the RA. Learn secrets from our ‘Red Collars’, the careful process of installation from our art handlers, and the inner workings of the esteemed RA Magazine from its editors.
Booking is essential for this event; if you wish to bring a guest please book one ticket for each person. Find out more about Friends Events and Friends Week 2016.
The Royal Academy is an independent charity that relies on the generosity of its Friends. Thank you for supporting the RA by participating in Friends Events.
Programme of events
Behind the Scenes: In Conversation with the Art Handlers
Tuesday 17 May, 3 – 4pm
Wednesday 18 May, 3 – 4pm
Our art handlers are true fonts of knowledge where our exhibitions are concerned - this team work through many nights to facilitate the beautiful hang you see every time you visit our galleries!
With over 30 years experience, Head of Art Handling, Dan Cowap is perfectly placed to reveal the technical secrets behind this fascinating role, and the process behind each exhibition held at the Royal Academy.
Fully booked
Behind the Scenes: Talk and Tour of the RA Schools
Wednesday 18 May, 10 – 11am
Wednesday 18 May, 6 – 7pm
The RA Schools, Britain's first art school, offers the only three year postgraduate fine art course in the UK. The Schools provide unparalleled opportunities for future dealership and collection, and our graduates go on to great things.
Join Eliza Bonham Carter, the Curator and Head of RA Schools, to learn more about the unique education and opportunities provided by the RA Schools, and the history and future of this special institution.
Fully booked
Behind the Scenes: In Conversation with the RA Magazine
Friday 20 May, 3 – 4pm
The RA Magazine is a highly esteemed publication, with a print run of over 100,000 copies, each a treasure trove of up-to-the-minute art world news, thought-provoking essays and interviews with eminent artists and more. Enjoyed by our Friends every three months, the Magazine is a perfect way to bring the art world into your home.
Learn more about the magazine’s editorial process and inner workings in this conversation with Sam Phillips, the Editor of RA Magazine and Anna Coatman, the Assistant Editor.
Fully booked
Behind the Scenes: In Conversation with the Red Collars
Monday 16 May, 3 – 4pm
Saturday 21 May, 3 – 4pm
Since the 1790s, our trusted security staff have worn red-collared uniforms - this has resulted in the apt and affectionate nickname, the Red Collars! This much-loved team are one of the most recognisable features of our front hall, and known amongst RA staff as real oracles of wisdom.
Join Mick O’Halloran, Chief Red Collar, to hear the history of the Red Collars and the importance of their relationship with Academicians, Friends, staff and visitors.
Free. Booking required, Friends only.
Enjoy afternoon tea at the RA
Enjoy afternoon tea at the Royal Academy from 2.30 until 5pm in the Keeper’s House Restaurant.
With a choice of thirteen fine loose leaf teas, barista-made coffee and three tiers of light finger sandwiches and patisserie sweets, afternoon tea at the Royal Academy is the perfect dining experience to complement your visit during Friends Week. Book Now or call 020 7300 5913.