The Society of Artists of Great Britain began in 1761 as a loose association of artists, including
Joshua Reynolds and
Francis Hayman, who wanted greater control by artists over exhibitions of their work previously organised by
William Shipley's
Society of Arts (founded in 1754) which had organised the
First Exhibition in April 1760, which over a thousand visitors per day attended. The following year the breakaways staged the
Exhibition of 1761, their innaugaral exhibition at Christopher Cock's Auction Rooms in
Spring Gardens,
Charing Cross,
George Stubbs remained loyal to the Society until 1774, serving as its President from October 1772 to October 1773. His leadership was undermined by further defections to the Royal Academy and the financially unwise decision of Paine to construct large new premises in the
Strand where the
1772 Exhibition was held. By 1776 the new headquarters had to be sold.
Joseph Wright of Derby was another figure who stayed with the Society, where he exhibited from 1765 to 1776.
George Romney and
William Marlow also continued to feature at Society exhibitions. However, the Society of Artists of Great Britain continued its occasional schedule of exhibitions until 1791, while those who remained with the older "Society of Arts" now called themselves the "
Free Society of Artists" (1761–1783). == See also ==