Royal Academy of Arts to that drawn up by Cheere in 1755. It was Sir William Chambers, a prominent architect and head of the British government's architects' department, the Office of Works, who used his connections with George III to gain royal patronage and financial support for the Academy in 1768. The painter Joshua Reynolds was made its first president, and Francis Milner Newton was elected the first secretary, a post he held for two decades until his resignation in 1788. The instrument of foundation, signed by George III on 10 December 1768, named 34 founder members and allowed for a total membership of
Royal Ulster Academy 132nd annual exhibition, held at the Ulster Museum in Belfast “The Kiss” by artist Paul Walls was not displayed following discussions between the museum and the academy. The decision was made as the subject matter, two women kissing, was deemed inappropriate for school visitors. A petition was organised on “change.org”. Royal Ulster Academy The Royal Ulster Academy (RUA) has existed in one form or another since 1879. It started life then, as The Belfast Ramblers' Sketching Club. In 1890 it became The Belfast Art Society; later in 1930 it was changed to "The Ulster Academy of Arts" and Sir John