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Please note: RPS House is currently closed. We will be open again from the week of 14th October 2024.

Gift Aid

About

The Royal Photographic Society is committed to bringing photography to everyone

About us

RPS House 3
RPS House, Bristol

We offer a diverse education and exhibitions programme at our world-class gallery and auditorium as well as at venues across the UK, internationally and online.

History Card
CREDIT: V&A London
History

The Royal Photographic Society, one of the world’s oldest photographic societies, was founded in 1853 to make the art and science of photography more widely available.

Derryn Vranch
CREDIT: Derryn Vranch
Our vision

Our mission is to bring inspiration, creativity and connection through photography to people of all ages and backgrounds. This strategy has been created to provide a clear and ambitious direction for the next five years.

The Meeting
CREDIT: Kath Phillips ARPS
Groups

All members are welcome to join our specialist groups that concentrate more closely on particular areas of photography including Landscape, Documentary and more. 

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CREDIT: Qasim Syed ARPS
Regional hubs

We have 16 regional hubs across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Led by an active team of volunteers, they are an opportunity to join local photographers and activities. 

Chris Renk
CREDIT: Chris Renk
International

We are a world-wide community of photographers. Our international members are part of Chapters which offer events, activities and support.

Meet the team

Trustees 2
CREDIT: Evan Dawson
Trustees

Our governing Council, which is also our Board of Trustees, is responsible for the strategic leadership of the RPS as well as our charitable objects and governance.

Rebecca Faith Photo 1124
CREDIT: Rebecca Faith
Staff

Our friendly and dedicated staff team, based in Bristol, are responsible for the day to day operations of the RPS. They also work with the Board of Trustees and over 500 volunteers.

Derryn Vranch
CREDIT: Derryn Vranch
Inclusion

The Royal Photographic Society is committed to being a welcoming and inclusive organisation. We aim to ensure that everyone can take part in photography, regardless of their ethnicity, their sexual and gender identity, age or any other aspect of their identity, background or circumstance.

What we do

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Events

The RPS runs hundreds of exciting and educational events a year. From exhibitions at our Bristol gallery to online talks and workshops - there is something for everyone.

Ingrid Abery LRPS Resized
CREDIT: Ingrid Abery LRPS
Qualifications

The RPS offers qualifications, Distinctions and certificated courses to cater for every level of photographic experience. We also partner with the OU, OCA & Falmouth University.

0326 North Pole Under Water By Sue Flood FRPS
CREDIT: Sue Flood FRPS
Competitions

We organise internationally recognised competitions, from the Science Photographer of the Year to the International Photography Exhibition, and support some by other agencies.

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Awards

The RPS Awards celebrate individuals who have made a significant contributions to photography. Categories continue to evolve, reflecting new ways of seeing, making & sharing photography.

Ngadi Smart: Longing and Belonging
CREDIT: Ngadi Smart
Bursaries

As an educational charity, bursaries are an important element of what we do. We currently offer four bursaries and work with partners including the Photographic Angle and Guardian.

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New Collection

The first RPS Collection, now held in the V&A Museum, London, was largely formed from c.1890s-2002. With the RPS's move to Bristol, we have started to form a new RPS Collection. 

Rebecca Faith
CREDIT: Rebecca Faith
Partners and friends

We welcome support from like-minded corporate partners and enjoy collaborations with a range of organisations which share our passion for photography and its transformative power.

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President's News

RPS President Simon Hill HonFRPS, talks about his photographic interests and activities on behalf of the Society in his regularly posted news features and blogs.

Contact us

Rebecca Faith
CREDIT: Rebecca Faith
Contact and visitor guide

Information on planning your visit, contacting staff and access. We are located in Paintworks, Bristol. Our building is beside the Martin Parr Foundation. 

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Media enquiries

As the UK's leading photography organisation, we are well-placed to provide comment to the media on photography, photographers and issues surrounding photography.

Governance
CREDIT: Evan Dawson
Governance

The Royal Photographic Society is a company incorporated by Royal Charter, and also a registered charity. It is regulated by the Charity Commission.

Rebecca Faith
CREDIT: Rebecca Faith
Jobs

Our world-class gallery, auditorium, education and resource centre at Paintworks, Bristol, is a fantastic environment in which to work. Come and join us!