The lunatics are running the asylum, making the most of the summer exhibition at the Royal Academy

We've heard all about the summer exhibition a million times this year alone. We knew that Tracey Emin was helping select the exhibits this year and we saw the truck delivering the latest sculpture to take pride of place in the courtyard, but we wanted more. How could we make the most of our visit to the Academy? Our intrepid reporter Kate, ducked through a side door and joined one of the free tours of the building itself.

 

 

The John Madejski Fine Rooms is a free 60 minute tour given by the Friends of the Royal Academy Volunteers.

Explained in brief is the history of the RA, Burlington House and the collections.

 

The interior of Burlington House was designed and created by William Kent who Lord Burlington met in

Rome

.

On his return from

Rome

,

Kent

used his knowledge and experiences to make elaborate statements with the design of the interiors and decorations. He applied fine detail to gilded surrounds of doorways, mirrors and plaster cartouches.

 

Then we moved on to other artists in different rooms who had recorded life experiences within their paintings, one being J.F. Lewis (RA) the door of a “Café in

Cairo

” this was the most impressive of its day. It contained a rich source of subject matter.

 

During the tour there was plenty of information given on collections by Royal Academia’s past and present.

 

We then moved on to the Sackler Wing where it boasts the piece de resistance, a marble bequest by Michelangelo, “Tondo.” ( Virgin and Child with the infant St. John looking on, 1504 )

This was located in a most tranquil and light viewing area where one could sit and enjoy.

The

Royal

Academy

’s greatest treasure!

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