Birmingham Society of Artists
Other names: Royal Birmingham Society of Artists
Foundation date: 7 February 1821
Dissolution date: 1868
Function: Art society
History or description: This society was formed out of the Birmingham Academy of Arts which had been founded in 1812. The new society received a grant of £1,500 and was established in 1821: 'its purpose being the formation of a museum for the reception of works of art: providing suitable accommodation for students, the holding of public exhibitions and the delivery of lectures.'
Through donations to the Society it was able to purchase a circular building in New Street that was 'purchased and opened as a museum on June 4th, 1822, and the first exhibition was held in the Autumn of 1827.' A larger building was erected in 1829, but while this was being constructed the 'artists professionally engaged seceded and formed an exhibiting society which is now the Royal Society of Artists, the royal permission having been obtained in 1868. The more wealthy portion of the Society continued its course on educational and social lines, resulting in the formation of the Society of Arts and School of Design [...] In 1858 the artists returned to their old home in New Street, a reconciliation having been effected.' ['A Brief History', Autumn Exhibition, 1912].
Exhibitions of two and three-dimensional works were held annually from 1851 to 1866. From 1866 there were two exhibitions each year.
The Fine Arts Prize Association awarded prizes for pictures from 1852 to c.1858. [see 'The History or the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists', p. 28]
Activities: exhibitions (open to non-members)
Publications: exhibition catalogues
Benefits: eligible for exhibition, free entry to exhibitions, prizes
Composition: amateur artists, professional artists, professional painters, professional sculptors
Locations
Located at Temple Row Birmingham | View on map
1822 (Presumed) - 1857
Located at New Street master Birmingham | View on map
1858
The Birmingham Society of Arts relocated from its building in Temple Row, Birmingham, to new premesis in New Street, Birmingham, in 1858.
Exhibitions, Courses, Meetings and other Events
Organized Exhibition of Modern Works of Art, at the Rooms of the Society, New Street (Birmingham Society of Artists), 1860
1860 - 1960
Organized Exhibition of Modern Works of Art, at the Rooms of the Society, New Street (Birmingham Society of Artists), 1859
1859
Organized Exhibition of Modern Works of Art, at the Rooms of the Society, Temple Row (Birmingham Society of Artists), 1855
1855
Organized Exhibition of Modern Works of Art, at the Rooms of the Society, Temple Row (Birmingham Society of Artists), 1851
1851
Organized Exhibition of Modern Works of Art, at the Rooms of the Society, Temple Row (Birmingham Society of Artists), 1853
1853
Organized The Birmingham Art Circle. The Forty-Eighth Exhibition, 1917
Institutional and Business Connections
Associated with Birmingham Society of Arts and School of Design
March 1843 (Presumed) - July 1875
The 'Birmingham Society of Artists' split from the 'Birmingham Society of Arts' in March 1843. Negotiations over property lasted until 1875. The Society of Arts held exhibitions at the Society of Artists rooms in New Street.
Collaborated with Birmingham Architectural Association
1923 (Presumed)
Held exhibitions at the rooms of the Society.
Associated People
Assistant principals included Frank G. Jackson
1878 - 1885
Described as 'Second Master' of the Central School of the Birmngham Society of Arts and School of Design.
Sources
Birmingham Newspaper Cuttings, Art, 1918-present
See numerous cuttings in bound volumes 1918-present.
Birmingham Society of Artists. Third Spring Exhibition Exhibition of Paintings in Water-Colours, at the Rooms of the Society, New Street, 1868
1868
The exhibition catalogue was the last in which the name 'Birmingham Society of Artists' was used on the title page. Henceforth it became 'Royal Birmingham Society of Artists'.
Birmingham Society of Arts. Meeting of the Committee held at the Societies Rooms on the 6 July 1843 Birmingham School of Art
6 July 1843
pp. 1-5.
Birmingham Society of Arts. Meeting of the Committee held at the Societies Rooms on Tuesday 14 March 1843 Birmingham School of Art
14 March 1843
pp. 1-3.
Birmingham Society of Arts. Meeting of the Committee held at the Societies Rooms on Tuesday 25 April 1843 Birmingham School of Art
25 April 1843
pp. 1-3.
Birmingham Society of Arts. Meeting of the Committee held at the Society's Rooms on the 18 June 1843 Birmingham School of Art
18 June 1843
pp. 1-2.
Meeting Minutes, 25 July 1875 Birmingham School of Art Minutes
25 July 1875
p. 2.
Royal Birmingham Society of Artists. The Eighty-Sixth Autumn Exhibition, 1912 Royal Birmingham Society of Artists
1912
See the catalogue essay entitled 'A Brief History of the Birmingham Royal Society of Artists.'
The History of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists
p. 28.
Citing this record
'Birmingham Society of Artists', Mapping the Practice and Profession of Sculpture in Britain and Ireland 1851-1951, University of Glasgow History of Art and HATII, online database 2011 [http://sculpture.gla.ac.uk/view/organization.php?id=msib4_1202123845, accessed 03 Oct 2023]
