Niall Elected as a Royal Academician in the Category of Architecture

NIALL ELECTED AS A ROYAL ACADEMICIAN IN THE CATEGORY OF ARCHITECTURE

JUNE 2019

The Royal Academy of Arts has elected Níall as a Royal Academician in the category of Architecture following a recent General Assembly. John Akomfrah was also elected as a Royal Academician in the category of Painting and in addition, international artists Kara Walker and Carmen Herrera have been elected as Honorary Royal Academicians.

The Royal Academy of Arts is governed by 80 Royal Academicians who are all practising artists or architects. On reaching the age of 75 they become Senior Academicians thus initiating vacancies for new Members. Elections are held at regular meetings of the General Assembly, when new Members are voted in by existing RAs.

The Royal Academy of Arts was founded by King George III in 1768. It has a unique position in being an inde-pendent, privately funded institution led by eminent artists and architects whose purpose is to be a clear, strong voice for art and artists. Its public programme promotes the creation, enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions, education and debate.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, HINTZ HALL OPENING

JULY 2017

Niall attended the Natural History Museum VIP opening of Hintze Hall and the introduction of Hope – the new blue whale skeleton suspended from Alfred Waterhouse’s wrought iron roof structure.

This new exhibit marks a new chapter in the Museum’s engagement with the public on scientific issues. Meanwhile Dippy the Dinosaur has embarked on a UK-wide tour which will culminate in the skeleton being cast in bronze before taking up its new home in the NMLA-designed Museum grounds.

The first phase of this project involves the restoration and introduction of accessibility to the Museum’s famous main entrance and is due to complete in November 2017.