Society of Painter-Etchers

Founded in 1880 by Sir Francis Seymour Haden and five other artists to promote original etching and engraving as creative arts rather than reproductive crafts. It received the Royal title in 1888, added “Engravers” in 1898, and became the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers in 1991. Renamed the Royal Society of Printmakers in 2026, its Fellows retain the post-nominal RE.