As an Academy they have much in common with museums and other galleries, but they also play a broader role – to promote not just the appreciation and understanding of art, but also its practice.

All Royal Academicians give a work to the Collection when elected, creating a treasure trove of British art. Over the decades they have amassed everything from masterpieces by Constable, historic objects like Queen Victoria’s paintbox and modern-day creations by some of the finest artists.

The RA are incredibly proud of their Collection, and display works from it around their buildings. You can look forward to seeing even more of it over the coming years, as they build new spaces for its display. 

Their Collection includes the first fine art library in Britain, where the staff look after thousands of historic volumes, monographs, books on British art, prints, photographs and drawings.