The Royal Photographic Society was founded in the United Kingdom in 1853 as The Photographic Society "to promote the Art and Science of Photography". In 1874 it was renamed the Photographic Society of Great Britain, and in 1894 it became The Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain with the permission of Queen Victoria. The Royal Photographic Society was granted a Royal Charter in July 2004.

It offers various levels of distinctions in photographic skills and runs an extensive programme of lectures and events throughout the United Kingdom and abroad, through local groups and special interest groups. The Society owns a major historic collection of photographs, photographic equipment and books which was deposited with the National Media Museum in Bradford.

It publishes the 'Photographic Journal', whose editors have included Jack Schofield.

Distinctions

Besides membership, there are also distinctions that the society awards.

These include (From lowest to highest distinction):

• LRPS: Licentiateship of the Royal Photographic Society
• ARPS: Associateship of the Royal Photographic Society
• FRPS: Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society

In addition the RPS offer Imaging scientist distinctions that deal with the mechanical, chemical and engineering aspects of photography alongside the visuals.

References

1. Royal Photographic Society. History

External links

• Royal Photographic Society website
• Exhibitions of the Royal Photographic Society, 1870-1915
• National Media Museum website
• The official National Media Museum print website containing many images from the Royal Photographic Society's collections
• Library of Congress Selected for 1993-95 International Partnership Award - about 1994 joint exhibition with United States Library of Congress