To mark a significant anniversary of its time on London's Thames Riverside, Bankside Gallery is holding a celebratory exhibition of work by members of the Royal Watercolour Society (RWS) and the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers (RE), curated by Tim Marlow OBE; writer, broadcaster, art historian and current Director and CEO of the Design Museum. As a leading figure in the artworld, Tim brings his invaluable expertise to selecting this special collection of works.
The Royal Watercolour Society and the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers were founded in 1804 and 1880 respectively and were both born from a feeling that the Royal Academy undervalued their media. The two Societies first joined forces in 1889, showing together in the exhibition rooms at 5a Pall Mall and their association has continued ever since. In 1938 they moved to 26 Conduit Street, London W1, but in the 1970s rent increases made this unaffordable for them to stay. A committee of Harry Eccleston, Andrew Freeth, Malcolm Fry (RWS and RE Secretary), Richard Seddon, and Rodney Millard was set up to consider the question of new premises and a fortuitous dinner invitation led to the foundation of Bankside Gallery, and the rescue of both societies. A fundraising campaign followed along with the inevitable delays and complications involved in a major building project, but finally, in 1980, the Societies were settled in their new home and the gallery was opened officially by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
For the last 45 years Bankside Gallery has played a crucial role in displaying and promoting work on paper, showing the very best in contemporary water-based media and original printmaking whilst championing the work of both new and established artists. The RWS and RE both select their membership through a rigorous voting process by their peers, meaning the artists elected to each Society are amongst the leading contemporary artists in their field. As an educational charity, Bankside Gallery supports both Societies as they promote their respective mediums and provide educational opportunities to the public.
