The International Society of Sculptors, Painters and Gravers was founded by Francis Howard on 23rd December 1897, and inaugurated in May 1898. Known as the 'International Society', it acted as a forum for independent artists from Europe and the USA who were invited to send work to, and support, international exhibitions in London and abroad. In the early years work from Royal Academicians was discouraged. In 1904, the Society was registered as a company under the Companies Act. The first President of the Society was Whistler, followed by Rodin. The first council included among others, John Lavery (Chairman), E.A. Walton, Sauter, Joseph Pennell and Gilbert. The Society organised its own exhibitions at various London galleries, including eventually the Royal Academy. In all, it held twenty-nine London exhibitions, between 1898 and 1925. The Council of the Society voted to wind up its Public Regulated Company in 1937, however the Society itself was to continue, and support exhibitions and purchase works of art until its existing funding ran out.
From the guide to the Business papers and press cuttings relating to the International Society of Sculptors, Painters and Gravers, 1897-1937, (Tate Gallery Archive GB 70)
