Royal Academy Exhibition of 1779

The Royal Academy Exhibition of 1779 was an art exhibition held in London. The eleventh annual Summer Exhibition of the British Royal Academy of Arts, it took place at rented rooms in Pall Mall between 24 April and 29 May 1779 featuring submissions by leading painters, sculptors and architects. It was the final exhibition before the Royal Academy moved to permanent headquarters at Somerset House. Taking place amidst the background of the American War of Independence, it was held during the same year that France and Spain launched an unsuccessful attempt to invade England. The military preparations to defend against this are shown in two paintings Warley Camp and The Mock Attack by Loutherbourg.