Shipley was a drawing master and the founder of the Society, Cosway was one of his most brilliant pupils

This painting was bequeathed to the Society in 1861 by Lady Brown, widow of Captain Sir Samuel Brown, RN (1776-1852), the engineer of the bridge and for many years a member of the Society. Brown invented an improved method of manufacturing links for chain cables which greatly extended their use in the construction of suspension bridges and landing piers. Brown's bar link was first employed in the Union Bridge, completed in July 1820 and subsequently in the Chain Pier at Brighton. The bridge is 18ft wide, 368ft long and the distance between the points of suspension is 432ft. It was the earliest suspension bridge erected in Great Britain calculated for the passage of loaded carriages. The painting itself was executed before the bridge was built to show the effect it would have on the landscape. The large building discernible on the skyline in the centre of the picture, standing high on the northern bank of the Tweed is Paxton House, built to the designs of James and John Adam in the 1750's, with later additions by Robert Reid. Like the bridge, it still stands in fine condition.

This panel from 'The Progress of Human Knowledge and Culture' shows the winning athletes passing by Pericles, Socrates and other Ancients. The aged Diagoras is carried on the shoulders of his victorious sons.

Part of a set of six postcards featuring designs by members of the Faculty of Royal Designers for Industry

Landseer awarded the lesser silver palette for this drawing, done when he was 11 years old.

The drawing was presented to the Society after Barry's death by the engraver Charles Warren, who called it 'a strong characteristic likeness of that....most singular man'.

Painted for the Society, of which Lord Romney was a founding member and President (1761-1793)

The painting was commissioned by the Society as part of a memorial to the Prince Consort's Presidency of the Society

Drawn from life in the year of the Prince's betrothal to Queen Victoria. Painting presented to the Society by Sir Hilary Blood, Chairman of Council, 1963-65

Portraits marks the 50th anniversary of the Queen's association with the RSA, first as President and then as Patron

Part of the 1998 RSA collection

Part of the 1998 RSA collection

An early portrait of the Irish history painter, James Barry, painted while he was studying in Rome. Blanchett who had settled in Italy, is known for his portraits of the exiled Stuarts.

Mary Moser made this prize winning drawing when she was only 15. She subsequently became a founding member of the Royal Academy of Arts

This detail from the sixth painting in 'The Progress of Human Knowledge and Culture' shows Lycurgus, William Penn, Alfred the Great and other famous lawgivers.

Taken from a rare mezzotint from the Society's collection. At 20 years of age Lawrie received a bounty of 30 guineas in 1776 from the Society for 'disclosing his method of printing mezzotint in colour'. Lawrie copied the bird form one brought back by Captain Cook in the previous year at the conclusion of his second great voyage of discovery.

Part of a set of six postcards featuring designs by members of the Faculty of Royal Designers for Industry

Part of a set of six postcards featuring designs by members of the Faculty of Royal Designers for Industry

Second painting in 'The Progress of Human Knowledge and Culture' series

Part of a set of six postcards featuring designs by members of the Faculty of Royal Designers for Industry