Free Galleries in London – Royal Academy Arts

Visit Royal Academy of Arts in London For No Admission Fee

Jun 4, 2009

The Royal Academy of Arts close by to Piccadilly Circus in London is a unique art gallery in that it is privately funded by eminent artists of the times.

The Academy was established in 1768 by George III as a celebration of prominent artists and architects. The artwork hanging in the John Madejski Fine Rooms where the highlights of the permanent collection are displayed is made up solely of past academicians including John Constable, Benjamin West and J W Turner. Current members include Norman Foster, Richard Rogers, David Hockney, Tracey Emin, Anthony Gormley and Anish Kapoor.

The staircase leading up to the free gallery is adorned with two enormous paintings by Sebastian Ricci - 'The Triumph of Galatea' and 'Diana and Her Nymphs Bathing,' both of which symbolise love. Upon entering the Fine Rooms, visitors find themselves in elegant Neapolitan interiors which were the first of its kind in London where the noble likes of Pope Alexander stayed during their visits to London in the 18th century.

The two galleries either side of the entrance are the High Life and High Art both of which feature the characters of the aesthetics scene that were prevalent in the Academy during the 19th century. Former presidents William Kent and Benjamin West, the only person to hold the position in two separate terms, are both well represented. In the High Art room is an extravagant fireplace sculptured by Joseph Wilton and portraits by founding members, Thomas Gainsborough and Sir Joshua Reynolds, the latter named as the first president despite him being disliked by King George III due to his questionable political ideas.

The Reynolds Room at the RCA

Of all the rooms in the free gallery the Reynolds room is the most grandiose. Lavished with Venetian décor and emanating regal supremacy the Reynolds room that was once used as a ballroom where the aristocracy held their social functions. It was also in this room that Charles Darwin's, 'Origins of the Species' was first aired. The hangings in the Reynolds Room are based on history – moralistic stories aimed at making the human race better people.

Sixteenth Century Art in 20th Century Settings

The greatest treasure of the Royal Academy's collection is Michelangelo's marble sculpture of 'The Virgin and Child with the infant St. John,' dating back to the early 16th Century. The sculpture denoting a cherubic depiction of Jesus and John the Baptist does not look out of place in its late 20th century surroundings of sleek glass panels and gloss tiles. The Taddei Tondo was left to the RCA as a bequest from the estate of Sir George Beaumont.

The Royal Academy also organise regular exhibitions which they alternate periodically, though they are most renowned for the Summer Exhibition. The cost of the exhibitions is £9($14.50) for adults, £8($13) concessions and £7($11.50) for students.

The John Madejski Fine Rooms are open Tues-Fri 1pm-4.30pm and 10am-6pm weekends. They are closed on Mondays. Free guided tours are also available are useful for visitors interested in learning about the history of the academy and some of the paintings on display. Tours start 1pm Tues-Fri and 11.30 on Saturdays.

The copyright of the article Free Galleries in London – Royal Academy Arts in England Travel is owned by Richard Oldale. Permission to republish Free Galleries in London – Royal Academy Arts in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.