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 - about
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 - about→
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→
History of The RPS
There is no published history of The Royal Photographic Society but there are some sources that will help you discover more
History of The RPS→