I much preferred it when the ROYAL Birmingham Society of Artists was based in its original location in New Street rather than where it is now by St Pauls square in the Jewelry quarter. It had far more atmosphere. Sold my first painting there way back in the 70's as a member of the Midland Painting Group who were also based there, as was the Easel Club (Oil Painters), also the BWS (Birmingham Water Colour Society). I believe the RBSA leased the building from Birmingham City Council and rented it out to these other societies for their meetings and exhibitions. The word Royal was added due to Queen Victoria's patronage. I was a member of the BWS for 19 years and sold many paintings at this gallery at our twice annual exhibitions I was very fond of the gallery and visited most exhibitions. I think their most noted member would have been the artist David Cox whose easel and palette was still kept there, although the have probably taken them to the Jewelry quarter. which was old factory premises which the RBSA bought and converted to a gallery. Eric