The RBSA is an accredited museum with a permanent collection of around 1,000 pieces of fine art relating to the 200-year history of the Society and to Birmingham’s wider artistic heritage, alongside archival material such as exhibition catalogues and letters. Each year the gallery opens two heritage exhibitions featuring a themed selection of works from its Archive.

It has played a key role in the cultural life of Birmingham and the wider region for two centuries and is proud to share its stories with audiences in the city and beyond.

Our Curator, Henrietta Lockhart (HL), talks to RBSA Director, Rachel Dowling-Jones (RDJ), about the history of the Society and how their latest ‘On Tour’ exhibition at Winterbourne came about.

HL:  In a nutshell, what is the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists?

RDJ:  Established over two hundred years ago, the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA) is one of the country’s oldest artist-led societies and hosts a wide range of exhibitions all year round at its gallery in the Jewellery Quarter. It supports a range of artists, whilst promoting engagement with the visual arts through a range of exhibitions, events and workshops.

HL:  This exhibition is part of the ‘RBSA on Tour’ programme.  Why was it important to you to take the RBSA out on the road?

RDJ:  These exhibitions allow RBSA members to share their work in different spaces and connect with new audiences, introducing our Society to people who might not otherwise visit our Jewellery Quarter gallery.

HL:  What attracted you to the idea of an exhibition at Winterbourne?

RDJ:  Winterbourne House and the RBSA are historically linked by a shared Arts and Crafts heritage. The Royal Birmingham Society of Artists become a highly influential body in the later Victorian period, particularly within the Pre-Raphaelites and Arts & Crafts movements, and notable past presidents include Edward Burne-Jones, John Everett Millais and Lord Leighton. We are absolutely delighted to join forces with another of Birmingham’s historic institutions and bring original artwork by the RBSA Membership to a different corner of the city.

HL:  How did you go about selecting work for this exhibition?

RDJ:  Featuring original artwork from some of our 200 members and associates, this exhibition highlights the broad spectrum of creative practices within the RBSA. We are thrilled that so many of our members wanted to join the Winterbourne exhibition, creating a collection that truly captures the incredible artistic talent within our community.

HL:  What other venues are involved?  Will you be selecting different works for each show?

RDJ:  RBSA On Tour exhibitions began in 2024 when the Membership was given the opportunity to exhibit work in the Wyre Forest Gallery at Bewdley Museum. This was followed in 2025 by a show at Three Snowhill in central Birmingham. 2026 sees the Membership on tour once again, this time at Winterbourne House and Gardens. Even exhibition venue has offered a very different space, and the artwork collections have been individually curated for each show.

HL:  What role do you think the RBSA plays in the cultural life of Birmingham?

RDJ:  The RBSA members and associates are part of a long-established creative community in the city, and many artists with local, national and international reputations have engaged with the Society and shown in its exhibitions. or hired one of its galleries for a solo show.

‘RBSA on Tour’ will run from 10 October 2026 to 28 February 2027, on the top floor of Winterbourne House.  All the artworks will be available to purchase.