Leighton and the

Royal Academy
Artists Rifles Association

The Royal Academy was the key institution of the

Victorian Art World. The Summer Exhibition drew
national interest and marked the start of the London
social season. Exhibiting artists could win public
recognition and introductions to buyers, galleries and
patrons. Being elected as an Academician brought
status and wealth. However, the R.A. had a reputation
as conservative and cliqueish. More progressive artists
such as the Pre-Raphaelites did not exhibit there.
The Artists Rifles had strong links with the Academy:

Leightons last inspection of the Regiment in 1883. William

Blake Richmond said: Leighton was a marvel, so thoroughly did
he become a soldier-painter that he ... was hard at the study of
Battalion and Company Drill at Wellington barracks with the
Guards at 5 oclock on summer mornings. No wonder that he rose
to such distinction as a commander and could hold his own with
the best leaders of troops. But then, Leighton had a genius for
success in whatever he put his hand to.

they shared Burlington House from 1867-1869 and

Artists Rifles Association

many members of the Regiment exhibited there and

were to become Academicians. Leightons position as
leader of both organisations sealed the relationship.
His energy and flair for organisation earned him
command of the Regiment in 1869, while his society
connections and reputation as an artist made him an
influential establishment figure. The support of the
Prince of Wales also helped his election as President

The Artists Rifles guard of honour at the Royal Academy

Summer Exhibition. Whistler once described Leighton as
Colonel of the Royal Academy and the President of the Artists
Rifles - aye, and he paints a little!

Artists Rifles Association

of the Royal Academy in 1878.

Under Leightons leadership the Academy became
more representative and prestigious, but the demands

Musketry practice at Aldershot Camp in 1924.

of the role forced him to retire as the Artists

Commanding Officer in 1883. He kept up his links
with the Regiment as Honorary Colonel until his
death in 1896. He was succeeded as President of the
Royal Academy by John Everett Millais and then
Edward Poynter, both members of the Artists Rifles.

The Artists Rifles provided the honour guard at Leightons

funeral, accompanying the cortege to St. Pauls Cathedral.