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Printed books

James Barry was born in 1741 and died in 1806. In 1777 Barry submitted a proposal to the Society to decorate the Great Room of its new premises. He offered to paint the whole room without fee, in return for canvas, paints and models. He began painting in April that year, and although he continued to alter the paintings until 1801, they were exhibited in 1783 and '84, with the proceeds going to Barry.\n\nBarry was his own publisher, and produced numerous works explaining the The Progress's symbolism, later editions of which contained appendices railing against his critics.\n\nIn 1782, Barry was elected to professor of painting at the Royal Academy, receiving a salary in return for six lectures a year. Barry used the position to engage with role of the artist in society, but went too far in putting forth his opinions and, together with his 1798 Letter to the Dilettanti Society's attacks on the state of arts patronage in England, angered the Academy was expelled in 1799. His was the Academy's only expulsion until Professor Brendan Neiland resigned in July 2004.\n\nThe Earl of Buchan came to Barry's aid after he lost his salary, paying expenses and moving him to a larger house so that he could finish his final painting, The Birth of Pandora. James Barry died in February 1806, and his body laid in state in the Society's Great Room, before being interred in St. Paul's Cathedral.

The records of the Free Society of Artists were deposited with the Society after it ended its own art exhibitions in 1764.\nRecords include minutes of a committee and printed catalogues of exhibitions

The original sequence of material and original folio numbers have been retained where possible and the contents are listed to item level. The letters cover the period 1754 to 1770 and are in approximate chronological order.The series has been placed in a general category as it covers a range of subjects.

The Society's premises were designed and build by Robert and James Adam. The building has been extended and altered over the years. \nRecords concerned with the Society's building in John Adam Street from its design and construction by the Adam Brothers and including correspondence papers, notes, leases and other legal documents, administration, management, alteration and repair of the building

The minutes, agendas and supporting papers are largely records of decisions taken on general policy and administration. \nThe Management Group are responsible for the internal administration of the RSA. The Director is the link between Trustees and Council and the Management Group. These files sometimes include minutes from the Section Heads Group meeting.

The Society has only recently established a personnel department. Staff matters and pensions were dealt with by senior managers and accounts staff. It includes some personal reminiscences of some longer-serving staff members. \n\nThis series of twentieth century material relates mainly to general policy on staffing although it does include a small amount of information relating to individuals which may be sensitive. The RSA reserves the right to restrict access to this series of records.

Instituted in 1954 as a permanent commemoration of the Society's Bicentenary. Bicentenary Medal is awarded to a person, who, in a manner other than an industrial designer, has exerted exceptional influence in promoting art and design in British industry. The recipient may or may not be a designer, the medal recognises the influence which extends beyond the winner's own design work.\n\nThe Design Advisory Group select a suitable recipient for ratification by the Council's Executive Committee on behalf of the full RSA Council.

Includes files and working papers on the selection of candidates, arrangements for ceremonies and general administration, as well as photographs of medal presentation ceremonies

Portraits by Justin Mortimer

The Hanging of the Portraits by Justin Mortimer

In 1949 the Society began to produce a Christmas card to sell to Fellows. Various artists were commissioned to design a card annually. The subject usually related to the Society's history. Postcards of some of the Society's works of art were also published as postcards at various times.The series includes sample of cards produced and photographs used in their production.

The Society's house was built as part of the Adelphi scheme by the Adam brothers. Items relating to the area have been collected by the Society, including engravings, drawings and photographs

This series comprises copy photographs of early views of the exterior of the Society's House from 1772 and of other premises occupied by the Society before this date. It also includes 20th century original images of the House, including the front and Strand elevations

Records include administrative correspondence and files, minutes of committees, printed matter and publicity materials and photographs