It all started in 1888. A handful of dedicated Brisbane artists got together to display their paintings. Those five or six artists were the leading artists of the day. They were called the 'Queensland Art Society' and in those days, it wasn't easy to even find a space to hang their work. Times were tough. But membership grew.
Prestige came in the 1890's. Sir Samuel Griffith became the QAS President; he also became the Premier of Queensland. His name lives on in Griffith University.
Royal recognition came in 1926. The 'Royal' prefix was bestowed by King GeorgeV.
It was the Society's 38th year when the secretary received the letter stating, "....His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve of the use of this prefix by the Society." The 'Royal' Queensland Art Society was born. The RQAS went on to form the backbone of the Queensland art community and started the impetus for what eventually became the State Queensland Art Gallery in Brisbane.