6-405: The Royal Watercolour Society is a British institution of painters working in watercolours . The Society is a centre of excellence for water-based media on paper, which allows for a diverse and interesting range of approaches to the medium of watercolour. Its members, or associates, use the post-nominal initials RWS and ARWS (associate member). They are elected by the membership, with typically half
12-716: A dozen new associates joining the Society each year. The society was founded as the Society of Painters in Water Colours in 1804 by William Frederick Wells . Its original membership was William Sawrey Gilpin , Robert Hills , John Claude Nattes , John Varley , Cornelius Varley , Francis Nicholson , Samuel Shelley , William Henry Pyne and Nicholas Pocock . The members seceded from the Royal Academy where they felt that their work commanded insufficient respect and attention. In 1812,
18-582: A rigorous election procedure. Associates are entitled to use the initials ARWS after their names. Full membership is granted following a show of hands at an AGM. The Society's education programme includes practical courses tutored by members and drop-in family event days as well as talks and discussions. The archive and diploma collection is available for research. Current members include Sonia Lawson , Elizabeth Blackadder , Richard Bawden , Robin Richmond , and David Remfry . The current president Charles Williams
24-749: The Society reformed as the Society of Painters in Oil and Watercolours , reverting to its original name in 1820. In 1831 a schism created another group, the New Society for Painters in Water Colours, and so the 1804 group became known as the Old Water Colour Society , and just the Old Society . The New Society subsequently became the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours , which still exists today. The Old Society obtained its Royal charter 1881 under
30-579: The finest in British contemporary works on paper. Exhibitions are held at Bankside Gallery and also tour outside London. The new RWS Gallery at Whitcomb Street opened its doors for a 'soft launch' in May 2022 with an exhibition of watercolours by RWS Member David Remfry . The RWS now holds exhibitions at both Bankside Gallery and the Whitcomb Street Gallery. The 75 Members choose new Associates each year in
36-573: The presidency of Sir John Gilbert as the Royal Society of Painters in Water Colours . In 1988, it changed its name again to the Royal Watercolour Society , by which it had always previously been generally known. The Royal Watercolour Society was founded to promote watercolour as a medium in all its applications. The Society defines a 'watercolour' as a work made in any water-based paint on paper. The RWS holds regular exhibitions presenting
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