Friends Week: The History of the Summer Exhibition
Tuesday 17 May 2016 6.30 - 7.30pm
The General Assembly Room, Burlington House, Royal Academy of Arts
£12. Booking required, Friends only.
Friends of the RA book first
Learn about where it all began back in 1768 from our archivist Mark Pomeroy as he regales you with tales of our founders and the eclectic cast of characters who helped shape the Royal Academy.
The Summer Exhibition is one of the highlights of the art world’s calendar every year. Featuring work by Academicians, RA Schools graduates and public submissions, everything you’ll see at the Summer Exhibition represents what is happening in the art world right now. This has been the case every year without interruption since 1769. Nearly 250 years on, traditions such as Varnishing Day are still staples of the RA’s programme, and beloved by our public visitors as well as those within the Academy.
In this special Friends’ Week talk, RA Archivist Mark Pomeroy will reveal the fascinating history behind this most prestigious of exhibitions. Enhance your enjoyment of this year’s exhibition by learning about the artists, innovators and decisions that were instrumental in its development.
Ticket price includes a welcome drink. 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.
Read more about our archives
Five of the best London archives
25 November 2016
History uncovered: Britain's first arts organisation
27 October 2015
On the Reynolds trail in the RA archive
25 February 2015