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Our Archive

Preserving our past. Recording our present. Inspiring our future. 

Our RSA Archive team is here to guide and inspire you about the RSA’s rich heritage. 

Whether you’re exploring the Great Exhibition, the iconic Great Room paintings by James Barry, the RSA Premium Awards, or any aspect of our rich history, you’ve come to the right place.

Have questions or want to arrange a tour of our secure archive or RSA House?
We’d love to hear from you, get in touch today!

Search the Archive Catalogue

Browse minutes, membership lists, Transactions, correspondence, artworks, photographs and more.

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Archive Lates

Join us for a truly memorable experience, offering an after hours house tour led by our expert archivist.

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Unlock the History of RSA Spaces

Take a journey through time with our Blue Plaques, explore them online or as you walk the house.

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Architectural drawing of a classical building facade with columns, arches, and statues. The inscription "SOC.VET.ARTIUM LOND" is visible. The design features symmetry and ornamental details, emphasizing the grandeur of the structure.

Our History

Looking to the future since 1754. Find out more about the famous names and change made in the past.

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A historic illustration of a crowded assembly hall with numerous people gathered around a central table. The walls are adorned with large, detailed murals depicting various scenes and figures. The setting appears formal and ceremonial.

Sound archive

Our recordings on the British Library sound & moving image catalogue.

Architectural drawing of a classical building facade with columns, arches, and statues. The inscription "SOC.VET.ARTIUM LOND" is visible. The design features symmetry and ornamental details, emphasizing the grandeur of the structure.

JSTOR

Our Transactions and Journals, 1783-2011 (Before 1870 free).

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Art UK

Our page on the UK’s national collection of oil paintings.

A historical painting depicts a large group of figures in 18th-century attire, gathered around a grand architectural setting. There's a prominent statue and painting in the background. The scene captures a sense of importance and dialogue among the people.

Explore stories from our archive

RSArchive

Sweeping change

10 Dec 2025 Anton Howes
RSA Resident Historian Anton Howes reflects on how a competition to create a mechanical chimney cleaner helped to outlaw the use of child chimney sweeps across the rooftops of Britain.
RSArchive

Minding the gaps

23 Sep 2025 Abby Matthews
The RSA’s newly appointed senior archivist, Abby Matthews, reflects on archives, missing identities and the artefacts that connect us.
RSArchive

Stones, songs and secrets 

9 Jul 2025 Richard Hale
From a laundry list on limestone to Lear’s vibrant parrots, the RSA’s role in the birth of lithography is a tale of invention, intrigue and the elusive Madame Gleissner
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