Articles
Annette Wickham
Inside the Academy
< 5 years ago
A “female invasion” 250 years in the making
The RA started out with two female Academicians, then took over a century to elect any more. As we celebrate our 250th anniversary, we take a look back at the women who fought the odds to be a part of our history – and the ones helping to secure our future.
Our Collection
< 5 years ago
The RA Collection in 250 objects: Tales of the unexpected
To celebrate our 250th birthday this year, we’re highlighting 250 beautiful, odd and inspiring objects from the RA Collection across 25 themes. In this edition, curator Annette Wickham talks us through some of the more surprising objects you’ll stumble across down in the depths of the Collection, from a lock of Napoleon’s hair to a rather fancy tea set…
Our Collection
5 years ago
The RA Collection in 250 objects: Anatomy
The RA will turn 250 on 10 December this year. To celebrate, we’re highlighting 250 beautiful, odd and inspiring objects from our Collection across 25 themes. We’re starting with the study of human anatomy, once a key part of the artistic training provided at the RA Schools. Here’s our head-to-toe guide to what happens when fresh corpses and fine art meet…
Our Collection
> 6 years ago
How to read it: John Gibson’s Cupid and Psyche
Take a closer look at how one of Britain’s most celebrated 19th-century sculptors tackled an ancient Roman tale in marble.
RA Exhibitions
> 7 years ago
Art history 101: what is a cartoon?
As the extraordinary 13 metre-wide Waterloo cartoon goes on display at the RA, our curator of works on paper offers a quick introduction to the technique used by the likes of Maclise and Raphael.
RA Exhibitions
> 7 years ago
A beginner’s guide to Daniel Maclise
His prestigious wall-painting commission is still in the Houses of Parliament and Dickens’s last public appearance was a tribute to him. So why don’t we know Daniel Maclise? As his epic cartoon goes on show, here’s a quick guide.
Inside the Academy
> 8 years ago
Who’s who in ‘Mr. Turner’?
Mike Leigh’s new film brings to life one of British art’s brightest stars and features several scenes set at the RA. We take a look at the supporting cast of Turner’s friends and rivals at the Academy.
Inside the Academy
> 8 years ago
Dazzle ships and the Royal Academy
How the RA played a role in the development of a dazzling new form of camouflage.
Our Collection
< 9 years ago
Restoring a masterpiece
Thanks to a grant from Arts Council England, Daniel Maclise’s monumental ‘Waterloo’ cartoon is to undergo conservation treatment in time for the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo in 2015.
Our Collection
9 years ago
History returns
A slice of history has recently returned to the Royal Academy after over 200 years, in the form of an intriguing drawing by John Flaxman RA.
RA Exhibitions
9 years ago
Hide and seek
Certain exhibitions are especially rewarding to put together, and ‘Norman Stevens ARA: Selected Prints’ is definitely one of them. Not only has the project had close input from the artist’s family and friends, but it also feels long overdue.