Royal Society of Arts

Founded in London's Covent Garden in 1754 its aims are to encourage excellence in the arts, commerce and manufacturing. For more than 250 years, experts in these fields have presented innovative ideas and fostered debate amongst their peers and interested parties, usually Fellows of the Society. Outstanding achievements are recognized by the Society's Medals. There are three important awards. The first is the Albert Medal named after Prince Albert, the Society's long serving President. It was originally awarded to individuals who achieved distinction in the promotion of the arts, commerce or manufacturing. Today is recognizes people who have achieved major forms of social innovation. Winners include Rowland Hill, the inventor of the postage stamp, Hugh Casson, architect, painter and President of the RA, musician Yehudi Menuhin and Tim Berners-Lee the inventor of the World Wide Web. The second is the Benjamin Franklin Medal, awarded to not only individuals but to groups and organisations who foster and encourage Anglo-American relationships. It is awarded in alternate years to UK and then US citizens. The third, the Bicentenary Medal, established in 1954 to commemorate the founding of the Society was originally awarded to an individual who was influential in the promotion of innovative art and design in British Industry. Recipients here include Robin Darwin painter and Principal of the RCA, William Coldstream, painter and Principal of the Slade School and designer and entrepreneur Terence Conran. The other important award given by the Society is the RDI which commenced in 1936.

Number of Artists referenced: 89