International Society of Sculptors, Painters and Gravers
| Formation | 1898 |
|---|---|
| Extinction | 1925 |
| Type | Artists' union |
|
1st president
|
James McNeill Whistler |
|
2nd president
|
Auguste Rodin |
The International Society of Sculptors, Painters and Gravers was a union of professional artists that existed from 1898 to 1925, "To promote the study, practice, and knowledge of sculpture, painting, etching, lithographing, engraving, and kindered arts in England or elsewhere...". It came to be known simply as The International. The society organised exhibitions, some for members only and some open to others, and social events such as musical evenings and soires. The exhibitions were held in a number of London venues, and in other cites around England, including Nottingham and Manchester. Its founder and first president was James McNeill Whistler. On his death, the presidency was taken up by Auguste Rodin, with John Lavery as vice-president. The society contributed £500 towards the cost of Whistler's memorial.
The society was initially incorporated as The Exhibition of International Art Ltd., but soon changed its name to the International Society of Sculptors, Painters and Gravers. The prospectus issued by the new society read in part:
"… a Society for the promotion of Exhibitions of International Art has been formed, the aim of the organisers being to hold exhibitions of the finest art of the day … in May, June and July at Prince's Skating Rink, Knightsbridge, a building which when suitably altered and arranged will be unusually well adapted for that purpose. The Gallery will be known as the International Gallery and a feature of the exhibitions will be the non-recognition of nationality in art …"
Honorary and associate members included:
During World War I, the membership of German and Austrian artists was suspended.
Exhibitions organised by the society included:
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