Why were the Society of Artists exhibitions important for London artists?

Before 1760, there were no public exhibitions of contemporary art in London, leaving artists without a venue to display their work to the public. The Society of Artists, which Joshua Reynolds helped found in 1760, was significant because it held the first successful public exhibitions of contemporary art in the city.1

These exhibitions were important for several reasons:

• Market Access: In an era where traditional patronage from the church and aristocracy was declining, artists were increasingly reliant on an anonymous market of buyers. Public exhibitions became essential for an artist's success by providing a platform to reach these potential patrons.2
• Professional Development: The formation of such societies helped foster the growth of the London art market, providing a structured environment for artists to showcase their work and gain public recognition.3
• Foundation for Future Institutions: The success of these exhibitions paved the way for the establishment of the Royal Academy of Arts in 1768, which continued the tradition of hosting annual exhibitions to display the works of contemporary artists.41