The Royal Academy of Arts (RA) is an art institution based in Burlington House in Piccadilly London, England.
The Royal Academy of Arts was founded 1768 by a group of 34 eminent artists and architects under the patronage of King George III. Sir Joshua Reynolds was the primary driving force and served as its first President, while other key founding members included Thomas Gainsborough, Richard Wilson, Benjamin West, Angelica Kauffman, and Mary Moser.
The purpose of the Royal Academy is to promote the creation, enjoyment and appreciation of the fine arts through exhibitions, education and debate.