| Formation: | 1813 |
| Type: | Cultural institution |
| Purpose: | Promotion of fine arts in Ireland |
| Headquarters: | 5 College Street, Dublin |
| Leader Title: | Patron |
| Leader Name: | The Prince Regent (later George IV) |
| Leader Name3: | Duke of Leinster |
| Leader Title3: | President |
| Royal Irish Institution | |
| Location: | Dublin, Ireland |
The Royal Irish Institution (RII) was a Dublin-based art institution established in 1813 to encourage the displaying of fine arts in Ireland. One object was to start an academy in Dublin resulting in the establishment of the Royal Hibernian Academy in 1823 and a gallery was opened in 1829 where old masters could be exhibited.[1]
The institution was established following a public meeting in the Rotunda on 24 June 1813[2] with the object of stimulating native talent by furnishing models to assist the labours of Irish artists and by rewarding the authors of works of superior merit. To this end old masters works were gathered together to be displayed.[3]
An exhibition of esteemed old paintings had never taken place in Ireland and a national gallery did not exist for such events. In the 18th century Irish noblemen and gentleman had brought several collections to Ireland but had been dispersed due to deaths or sold in England, while access to such collections had generally been only by favour. Its first exhibition was held at the Royal Dublin Society's House on Hawkins Street.[3] The first and later exhibitions displayed works by "esteemed masters of the old Italian, Spanish, Dutch, and Flemish schools" including works by artists such as William Hogarth and Joshua Reynolds.[4]
The permanent gallery, in College Street was designed by Frederick Darley and opened in 1829.[5] The gallery space was 40 feet long and 30 feet wide and was 19 feet high up to the cove. It was demolished in 1866 and replaced by the Provincial Bank of Ireland's headquarters.[6] As of June 2023, the building houses the Westin Hotel, Dublin.[7] The institution held eight exhibitions between 1814 and 1832 but was forced to close due to financial troubles.[8]
A later Royal Irish Art Union was established in 1839 and also held its meetings at the RII's headquarters on College Street. The organisation lasted until 1851 but ultimately also ceased operations.[9] [10]