A History of the Royal Society of Arts

Acknowledged as the first history of the Royal Society of Arts, Wood's narrative spans 125 years from 1754 to 1879.

Henry Trueman Wood (Author)

9781108029681, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 30 June 2011

630 pages, 46 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 3.5 cm, 0.79 kg

Published in 1913, this book by Sir Henry Trueman Wood (1845–1929) is widely acknowledged as the first historical account of the Royal Society of Arts. Spanning 125 years, from the Society's foundation in 1754, through the Great Exhibition of 1851, it terminates with the start of Wood's own term as secretary in 1879. As well as its famous association with manufacturing, the Society's involvement with forestry and agriculture is also addressed. Containing not only an authoritative chronology of the RSA, but also comprehensive lists of past officials and a preface by its Chairman, Lord Sanderson, this work provides rare insights into the motivations and aspirations of generations of British engineers and artists. Illustrated by 28 full-page illustrations and 19 smaller vignettes depicting members, maps, medals and inventions, this study is underpinned by the author's own powerful conviction that, when combined, art and science can transform the world.

Preface
1. The origin of the Society
2. The earliest lists of members
3. The Society's offices
4. The Society and the colonies
5. The Society and agriculture (1754–1830)
6. The Society and forestry (1758–1835)
7. The Society and the fine arts (1755–1851)
8. The Fine Art prize-winners (1755–1849)
9. The Society and the fine arts (1755–1851) continued
10. The Society's early art exhibitions
11. The premiums (1754–1851)
12. The premiums (1754–1851) continued
13. The premiums (1754–1851) concluded
14. The Society's medals
15. The officials. The 'Transactions'. The Council. The charter (1761–1847)
16. The presidency of the Prince Consort (1843–1861)
17. The 1851 Exhibition
18. The 1862 Exhibition
19. The Society's examinations
20. The presidency of King Edward VII (1862–1880)
21. The presidency of King Edward VII (1862–1880) continued. Conclusion
Appendix
Index.

Subject Areas: Art forms [AF]