Britain's national academy of art.
It was founded in 1768 by George III . Its first president (1768–92) was Joshua Reynolds . The number of its members, who are selected by members and associates, is fixed at 40; members' names are frequently followed by the initials R.A. ("Royal Academician"). Its galleries contain works by such former members as Thomas Gainsborough and J.M.W. Turner . The academy opened a new wing, the Sackler Galleries, in 1991.