A whole lot of history runs through the veins of the RBSA Gallery. The Royal Birmingham Society of Artists was set up in the 1820s, receiving its royal charter in 1868 from Queen Victoria. Throughout its illustrious life it has had a number of famous presidents, including textiles craftsman William Morris and painter John Everett Millais, while Prince Charles is an honorary member.
It moved from its opulent New Street premises in 2000 to settle in Brook Street, just off St Paul’s Square in the Jewellery Quarter, and, while the modern building might not be as beautiful as its former digs, the gallery has a programme of dazzling exhibitions that make up for it.
The RBSA manages strikes a balance between celebrating its notable history and ensuring it has a place in the city’s modern day artistic development. Exhibitions will often mine from the 800-plus works in its permanent collection, including ceramics, jewellery and drawings, but the gallery also encourages local artists through open submission exhibitions, as well as the RBSA Art Prize and a number of free workshops.