Artists, founded around 1857. Initially, membership was granted to women who had exhibited with the Society and who earned their livelihood through art. Society of Female Artists (c. 1857 – c. 1869) In 1857, English biographer Harriet Grote (1792–1878), together with a number of female artists and philanthropists, founded the Society of Female Artists. The society was initially managed by a committee, and, although its members were sometimes listed in early catalogues, no presiding officer was ever named. The first published committee (1859) was composed of Harriet Grote; Mrs Edward Romilly; Mrs Stephenson; watercolour artist Elizabeth Murray; opera singer Jenny Lind, who was a friend of Harriet Grote; the novelist Lady Harriet Jane Trelawny; Miss Sotheby; and Catherine Stanley (nee Leycester), the mother of Arthur Penrhyn Stanley. Leonie Caron (later Mrs Alfred Buss) was the Society's first Secretary in 1857, succeeded by Mrs Elizabeth Dundas Murray, who served as Secretary from 1858-1865. Contemporary press reports also place Mrs David Laing (nee Mary Elizabeth West) among the founders. Early members included Mary Thornycroft, Margaret Tekusch and Augusta Innes Withers. The society's first exhibition, held at 315 Oxford Street, London between 1 June and 18 July 1857, became the focus of debate with regard to the role of women in art. The exhibition comprised 358 works by 149 female artists, the predominant genre being landscapes. In May 1857, prior to the opening, The Art Journal and The Spectator were supportive of the exhibition. After the exhibition closed, The Art Journal reported that "The Committee express their gratification in announcing that the success of their first exhibition has fully equalled their expectations." The Society then held annual exhibitions in London showing work of women artists (except in the years 1912–1914, 1919 and 1940–1946). Until 1863, the annual exhibition received controversial reviews, probably as exhibits were chosen on a liberal and amicable basis. This was addressed in 1869, when their lack of professionalism led to a reorganisation of the Society under the patronage of the Duchess of Cambridge and consequently it was renamed the Society of Lady Artists. The Society has received royal patronage since 1865 (the current patron is Princess Michael of Kent). In 1867 Mrs. Madeline Marrable, a prolific watercolourist and oil painter, joined the committee. Society of Lady Artists (c 1869 – 1899) The Society's earliest records were lost or destroyed during World War II at the Society's headquarters at 195