The Royal Academy was founded in 1768 with a mission to advance the appreciation and practice of art in Britain through education and exhibition.

Royal Academicians are practising artists who were elected by their peers in one of four categories: Painters, Sculptors, Architects and Engravers, Printmakers and Draughtsmen. They are all professional artists working in the UK and there are never more than 80 Royal Academicians at the same time.

Many of the Royal Academicians are involved in teaching at the Royal Academy Schools and delivering lectures as part of the RA Learning Programme.