The Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour (RSW) is a Scottish art society established in 1876. The current patron is Charles III, Duke of Rothesay. It is a registered charity based in Glasgow and holds an annual exhibition.
The first preliminary meeting of the society took place in Glasgow on 21 December 1877 as a reaction to a lack of interest in watercolour art by existing exhibitors. The society was inaugurated on 4 March 1878 with the election of its first president, Sir Francis Powell and vice president, Sam Bough. Its first exhibition of 172 pictures took place in November.[1]
It was founded to "promote, through exhibition, the medium of watercolour and encourage the bold, free and colourful qualities of Scottish Painting."[2]
The society received permission from Queen Victoria to use the prefix "Royal" in February 1888.[1] In around 1894 the society changed its rules to allow female artists to be admitted with the same privileges as male artists.[3]
Past presidents include William J L Baillie (1975–1988), Ian McKenzie Smith (1988–1998), Philip T L Reeves (1998–2005), John Inglis (2005–2016); the current president is Jim Dunbar.
Past vice presidents include Alison Dunlop, Helga Chart, Gregor Smith and Iona Montgomery.
