About

RASA (previously known as the Reynolds Club) was created to maintain links between the Royal Academy Schools and its past students; for the benefit of the alumni, the Schools, and the Royal Academy. RASA has its own constitution and a council made up of executive members and council members.

RASA’s Objectives

  • To provide a means of communication for all members
  • To provide a newsletter annually plus news-sheets
  • To create a comprehensive database of past students and their activities
  • To provide an annual reunion and other social events where members can meet
  • To arrange exhibitions of members’ work in the UK and abroad
  • To provide a programme of educational visits, talks and lectures
  • To give an annual student prize
  • To find ways of encouraging donations to the schools from the alumni through scholarships, bequests, foundations
  • To provide a website for members to show their work and as a personal notice board & to advertise RASA events

Other benefits

  • Free entry to all exhibitions
  • Life drawing classes in the Schools every Monday at 17 30 to 19 30 during term time
  • Framing concessions at Royal Academy Framing
  • Reduced rate for the RA Magazine including home delivery
  • Discounted materials in the art shop in the Schools (Closes 11am)

History

The Royal Academy has a long and interesting history which originally evolved around an idea to cultivate, improve and encourage the Arts generally. As early as 1759 a group of artists met together and organised an exhibition open to artists, sculptors, architects and craftsmen. Entrants paid a submission fee which went towards a fund for artists in need. In 1768 after many years of unrest and in fighting Sir William Chambers who had been a tutor to King George 111, succeeded in establishing a School or Academy with the King as patron and protector. The Seeds of the popular Summer Exhibition were sewn in 1769 when the tradition began of an annual exhibition of work from which proceedings of sales were used to fund the Academy. Students were able to study for free; tutors were appointed along with lecturers and a library was set up and funds were available for poor artists. This formed the basis for the Royal Academy Schools which thrives today and has produced a large alumni.

The Council

The Council is elected from the alumni; if you would like to serve on the Council please apply to the Administrator before the December AGM. We badly need a student representative, someone who is currently studying in the Schools.

Members of the Executive Council:
Chairman - George Waud
Co-Chair/Administrator - Gloria Steemsonne
Deputy Vice Chair - Trevor Frankland
Treasurer - Laurie Bray
Membership Secretary - Hilary Frew
Newsletter Editor - Naomi Siderfin
Patron - President of the Royal Academy

Members of the Council:
David Andrews, Martin Bowers, Rita Carter, Ashton Chadwick, Phillipa Clayden, Paul Curtis, Pamela Day, Nicolas Granger-Taylor, Susan Haire, Peter Harrap, Natasha Kissell, Susannah McKinley- Hay, Neil Pittaway, Ron Sims, Stead Steadman, Edna Weiss