Down to a Fine Art

Portrait of George Johnstone Stoney
Portrait of Mr. Bowden
Attention, Portrait of Miss Vigne
Portrait of John Bowes
Portrait Bust of Gregor von Feinaigle

Between ca.1749 and 1878, the Society operated four schools of art: Figure Drawing; Landscape and Ornament; Architectural Drawing; and Modelling (sculpture). The purpose of the schools was to provide instruction in the essential skill of draughtsmanship to prospective artists and craftsmen. Although the schools were open to all young boys, students were generally recommended by members of the Society.

Casts of sculptures, engravings and even old master drawings were purchased for use in the schools. Prizes of up to £25 were awarded to students annually and the Society provided bursaries to enable promising students to study abroad, as well as financial assistance for those students in challenging circumstances.

East Prospect of the Giant's Causeway

During the 130 years of the schools, approximately 10,000 students received instruction under the Society’s drawing masters. To further support these emerging artists, the Society often purchased works by them. In the Treasures Collection today are works by students such as George Barret Snr., Hugh Douglas Hamilton, John Henry Foley, William Ashford, Thomas Kirk, James Barry, William Cuming and Thomas Alfred Jones.

Even before the schools were established, the Society held an open competition open to amateurs and practitioners alike. The first premium for painting was awarded in 1741 to Susanna Drury for her depictions of the Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim. To encourage patronage of living artists, the Society purchased works by practising artists at public exhibitions. Among these purchases are a painting by George Chinnery and a pastel by Alexander Pope. Since 1860, the Society has also administered the Taylor Prize, established from a bequest from Captain George Archibald Taylor. William Orpen, Walter Osborne, Harry Clarke and Leo Whelan are amongst some of the Taylor prize-winners.

The administration of the schools was placed under the control of the government’s Science and Art Department in 1878, but the RDS continues to support artists in Ireland today through its Arts Programme.

Down to a Fine Art: The RDS Schools