Royal West Of England Academy

Specialties

The Royal West of England Academy is Bristol’s finest art gallery, boasting exhibition spaces acclaimed as among the best in the country.

The artistic programme presents the best of British art, ranging from famous names of the past to inspiring work by our current Academicians, and brings high profile exhibitions by established artists to Bristol.

The RWA’s aim is to provide an inclusive programme of exhibitions, events and education in order to enhance the knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of art for the widest possible audience.

The RWA is England’s only regional Royal Academy of Art — one of only five in total including those in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and London. It is a registered charity which has been self-​supporting for over 150 years and possesses an outstanding Grade II* listed building, galleries and permanent fine art collection. The RWA has HM Queen Elizabeth II as its head patron and enjoys the support of leading individuals and businesses in Bristol and beyond.

History

Established in 1844.

The RWA was founded as the Bristol Academy of Art in 1844. The magnificient building, now Grade 2* listed, opened in 1858. It was enhanced and extended in 1913, at which point the organisation gained its Royal status, becoming the Royal West of England Academy of Art.

A self-​supported Charity since its inauguration, Prince Albert and Isambard Kingdom Brunel were among the RWA’s early patrons and the Gallery is still reliant on the generosity of individuals and trusts and foundations to support its work today.

Because the RWA receives no major core funding from local or national government, it also depends on the income from ticket sales, so there is a modest entry charge. In many exhibitions, this equates to a couple of pence per artwork on show!