The Royal Academy of Arts (RA) is an art institution based in Burlington House in Piccadilly in London, England. Founded in 1768, it has a unique position as an independent, privately funded institution led by eminent artists and architects. Its purpose is to promote the creation, enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions, education and debate.
Front view, October 2010
A modern illustration of Burlington House in London, home of the Royal Academy of Arts since 1868
Satirical drawing of Sir William Chambers, one of the founders, trying to slay the 8-headed hydra of the Incorporated Society of Artists
Study for Henry Singleton's painting The Royal Academicians assembled in their council chamber to adjudge the Medals to the successful students in Painting, Sculpture, Architecture and Drawing, which hangs in the Royal Academy. c. 1793.
Burlington House is a building on Piccadilly in Mayfair, London. It was originally a private English Baroque and then Neo-Palladian mansion owned by the Earls of Burlington. It was significantly expanded in the mid-19th century after being purchased by the British government. Today, the Royal Academy and five learned societies occupy much of the building.
The façade of Burlington House, 2010
Burlington House from Jan Kip and Leonard Knyff's Britannia Illustrata, 1707
One of James Gibbs's colonnades at Burlington, functioned as wall to enclose the house from the street, in watercolour c. 1806–08. (later demolished)
Photograph of the original main block of Burlington House, before the addition of the top storey, the facade dated from 1725 and designed by Colen Campbell.
