Engraving by Isaac Taylor, published by Philips in 1804

From the illustration in Pictorial Times of the distribution of the Society's awards by Prince Albert 10/6/1844. This image show the alterations carried out in 1814-1815. The skylight had been enlarged and the palm branch ornaments removed.

Ceiling had been decorated by D R Hay with a Gothic mosaic and the walls around the pictures with purple cloth, a central gas light had been added. From a view of the Society's Photographic Exhibition, London Illustrated News, 1/1/1853

Ink drawing by Howard Penton. Barry's paintings have been moved up to the level of the frieze, Reynold's portrait of Lord Romney has been replaced by Cope's portrait of Prince Albert and the seating has been rearranged, these changes were made in 1863-5. The ceiling decoration by Robins and Crace dates from 1882

The Great Room showing the alterations made in 1922. Gainsborough's portrait of Lord Folkestone has replaced Cope's portrait of Prince Albert and the 1882 decorations have been removed

The Great Room showing the alterations made in 1922. Gainsborough's portrait of Lord Folkestone has replaced Cope's portrait of Prince Albert and the 1882 decorations have been removed

Bench presented to the RSA by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh on 7/11/1957. The bench is in figured Brazilian rosewood with inset ends of mahogany boarding. While on his trip in the Antarctic, the Duke sent to the Society his detailed ideas as to what should constitute an ideal lecture bench and these have been faithfully executed by the designer, Professor R D Russell, RDI. Made by Gordon Russell Ltd.

Bench presented to the RSA by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh on 7/11/1957. The bench is in figured Brazilian rosewood with inset ends of mahogany boarding. While on his trip in the Antarctic, the Duke sent to the Society his detailed ideas as to what should constitute an ideal lecture bench and these have been faithfully executed by the designer, Professor R D Russell, RDI. Made by Gordon Russell Ltd.

Bench presented to the RSA by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh on 7/11/1957. The bench is in figured Brazilian rosewood with inset ends of mahogany boarding. While on his trip in the Antarctic, the Duke sent to the Society his detailed ideas as to what should constitute an ideal lecture bench and these have been faithfully executed by the designer, Professor R D Russell, RDI. Made by Gordon Russell Ltd.

The Great Room showing the cut glass chandeliers purchased in 1950 and the rosewood lecture bench presented to the RSA by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in 1957

The Great Room showing the cut glass chandeliers purchased in 1950 and the rosewood lecture bench presented tot he RSA by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in 1957

Photograph by Richard Bryant, Arcaid

First painting in the series entitled 'The Progress of Human Knowledge and Culture' by James Barry, 1777-1783

First painting in the series entitled 'The Progress of Human Knowledge and Culture' by James Barry, 1777-1783

First painting in the series entitled 'The Progress of Human Knowledge and Culture' by James Barry, 1777-1783

Second painting in the series entitled 'The Progress of Human Knowledge and Culture' by James Barry, 1777-1783

Second painting in the series entitled 'The Progress of Human Knowledge and Culture' by James Barry, 1777-1783