The Society / Our history
A rich maritime heritage
Founded in 1939 and granted Royal status in 1966, the Royal Society of Marine Artists has a long tradition of celebrating the sea and maritime life through art.
Our story
Art and the maritime imagination
The Society traces its origins to the late 1930s, when artists with a common interest in maritime subjects came together. An exhibition titled Sea Power in 1937 helped lay the groundwork for the Society of Marine Artists, founded in 1939.
The outbreak of the Second World War delayed its first exhibition until 1946. In 1966, Queen Elizabeth II granted the Society the right to use the title “Royal”.
Milestones
Sea Power
An exhibition at the New Burlington Galleries helps inspire the Society’s formation.
The Society is founded
The Society of Marine Artists is established.
First exhibition
The Society holds its inaugural exhibition at Guildhall Art Gallery following the war.
Royal recognition
Queen Elizabeth II grants the Society its Royal title.
Mall Galleries
The Society begins exhibiting at Mall Galleries in London.
A living society
Members and selected open-call artists continue to explore the sea and tidal waters through art.
Our identity
The ship and the brush
The Society’s historic emblem brings together the maritime world and the practice of art. It remains central to the identity of the new website.
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