History

Throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries many of the great photographers and scientists were RPS members. Today The Society and its current membership continues to make important contributions to all aspects of imaging.

Our History

Founded in January 1853 The Royal Photographic Society has, throughout its history, played an important role in photography.

Our History→

The Collection

The Society's former Collection is one of the world's great photography collections. It, along with its archive and library is now owned by the V&A Museum.

The Collection→

Coat of Arms

The Society's coat of arms reflects The Royal Photographic Society's standing as a Learned Society enjoying Royal patronage and its contemporary attitudes with the historical bonds which have ensured continuity and stability from the earliest days of The Society.

Coat of Arms→

Presidents 1853-present

The Society has had many illustrious individuals from photography as its President. The complete list of Presidents from its formation in 1853 is given below.

Presidents 1853-present→

Chief Executives

From Roger Fenton to the current incumbent The Society's Secretary, now known as the Chief Executive, has helped guide and manage The Society's activities and affairs.

Chief Executives→

Journal Archive

A freely available, fully searchable, digital archive of the RPS Journal from 1853 to 2015. An unrivalled wealth of photographic history at your fingertips.

Visit the full archive→

Copyright Notice Warning: This web site comprises and contains copyright materials. You may not distribute, copy, publish or use the images or any part of the images in any way whatsoever. You may not alter, manipulate, add to or delete an image or any part of an image. Copyright for all the images remains with the photographer, contributor or The Royal Photographic Society. A link to a non-Society site does not imply endorsement.