The Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers, more commonly known as the Royal Miniature Society (RMS), is an art society founded in 1895 dedicated to upholding and continuing the tradition of miniature painting and sculpture, generally meaning the painted portrait miniature, a particular English tradition. The Society's aims are to "esteem, protect and practise the traditional 16th Century art of miniature work, emphasising the infinite patience needed for its fine techniques." Since 2002, its patron has been Charles III. History The Society was founded in 1896 by Alyn Williams, originally as The Society of Miniature Painters. A royal charter was granted by King Edward VII in 1904, and it became the Royal Miniature Society. To highlight the Society's growing importance, the President's Jewel was commissioned in 1920. This is a large, elaborate silver chain of office designed and made by Alfred Lyndhurst Pocock which is still worn by the current president at formal functions. In 1926, the Society's scope was extended to include sculptors and gravers, and its name was changed by the Royal Command of King George V to become the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers. Since its foundation, the Society has had ten different presidents, including Sir William Blake Richmond (1899 to 1907) and Raymond Lister (1970 to 1980). The current president, elected in 2020, is Ray Winder. Exhibitions and awards Annual exhibition The Society's annual exhibition of around 650 works is held each year at the Mall Galleries in London. A wide range of subject matter is featured, including portrait, landscape, still life and abstract paintings, in addition to sculpture. A centennial exhibition, opened by Lord Gowrie, was held in 1995 at Westminster Central Hall in London. Awards The Society's Gold Memorial Bowl Award, established in 1985, is one of the highest accolades for miniature art in the world. Crafted in 18 carat gold by royal jewellers Garrard & Co, the Bowl was a gift to the Society from former president Suzanne Lucas. A silver gilt replica is received by the winning artist. Other awards include: The Prince of Wales Award for Outstanding Miniature Painting The President’s Special Commendation The Society’s Award for the Best Group of Work The Mundy Sovereign Portrait Award The Bidder and Borne Award Peter Charles Booth Memorial Award Anita Emmerich Presentation Award Anthony J Lester Art Critics Award Anthony J Lester Young Artists Award Arturi Phillips 'Connoisseur'