Pre-Raphaelite Society

While the members of the original Brotherhood have died, admirers of the group have created their own society that studies the lives and works of the original members. The existence of this such group proves that people who intended to change the ideas of art succeeded – and that their ideas are still being considered i our 21st century society.

A description of the society from their webpage:
“Since 1849 the Pre-Raphaelite Movement has coloured and influenced the appreciation of art, not only in its British birthplace but throughout the world. The three great founding artists – Millais, Rossetti and Holman-Hunt – possessed between them, the over-powering enthusiasm of youth, a brilliance of technique, a dedication to a romantic ideal and the pursuit of the true principles of art.

Sir Edward Burne-Jones

But the enduring visual image of Pre-Raphaelitism was forged by Birmingham’s native son, Sir Edward Burne-Jones. Greatest of the followers, he became a leader in his turn, and it is in his paintings and drawings, his designs for tapestries and stained glass, that the world recognises Pre-Raphaelite art without hesitation for what it is – a mode of thought and a style of work resting on definable and justified foundations. Because of this it is appropriate that the Pre-Raphaelite Society should have been founded in Birmingham, where the Museum and Art Gallery contains the unrivalled collection of his work. Without Burne-Jones, the Pre-Raphaelite Movement would have been a phenomenon not a continuity. His friendship and close association with William Morris ensured the permanence of the Pre-Raphaelite style through his link with the Arts and Crafts Movement, carrying their united spirit on into the twentieth century.

The Pre-Raphaelite Society is dedicated to the celebration of the mood and style of art which Ruskin recognised and preserved by his writings, and to the observation of its wide-ranging influence. In co-operation with societies of similar aims world-wide, it seeks to commemorate Pre-Raphaelite ideals by means of meetings, conferences, discussions, publications and correspondence, and to draw attention to significant scholastic work in this field. First and foremost, however, it is a society in which individuals can come together to enjoy the images and explore the personalities of the Pre-Raphaelites and their followers through the medium of fine art, the appreciation of good design and the excellence of the traditional arts.”

Modern Ideas

This society serves to unite people around the world who hold a special appreciation for those in the Brotherhood, especially for their art. They keep communication with those in the society, as well as those who are just interested in the art itself by maintaining a Facebook and Twitter page, truly showing that while they uphold 19th century standards, they do so with 21st century means.

With Facebook and Twitter, members can share with others all over the world the works of painters from the Brotherhood, as well as others that they may hold in high esteem. Posts on the Facebook group contain many painting from the time period, with opportunities for discussion about the specific pieces.

Sources

http://www.pre-raphaelitesociety.org/
On the Cliffs. Wikimedia creative commons – PD-US – https://sites.udel.edu/britlitwiki/files//2018/06/FileHenry_Ryland_-_On_the_Cliffs.jpg
Sir Edward Burne-Jones. Wikimedia creative commons – PD-US – https://sites.udel.edu/britlitwiki/files//2018/06/FileFrederick_Hollyer_portrait_of_Edward_Burne-Jones_c1882.jpg
Facebook. Wikimedia creative commons. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Facebook_(5319003750).jpg

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