Rising geniuses: Architecture exhibited in London's earliest architectural exhibitions in the second half of the 18th century

Anderson examines how architects chose to involve themselves in exhibitions, and what the works they exhibited reveal about British architecture in the mid-18th century. She cites that on November 12, 1759, a group of artists met at the Turk's Head Tavern on Gerrard Street to consider a proposal for establishing an annual exhibition, one where artists might 'be brought to Public View, where 'Every Painter, Sculptor, Architect, Engraver, Chaser, Seal-cutter, and Medallist may exhibit their several Performances. This proposal led to the organization of an exhibition held the following year at the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce, and in the following years, a series of exhibitions organized by the Society of Artists of Great Britain and the Free Society of Artists and, ultimately to the foundation of the Royal Academy, which held its first exhibition in 1769. These exhibitions have long been identified as a critical turning point in British art: both as spaces for artists to exhibit and places for the public to view art works, these events were unprecedented. They have been closely examined by several art historians, but the vast majority of studies have focused on what the exhibitions meant for artists, especially painters. There can be no question that paintings dominated both the exhibitions and the public response to them, but nor were they the only works on display.