The Royal Institution of Cornwall is the organisation that owns and manages the Royal Cornwall Museum and Courtney Library. The varied nature of the RIC's collection reflects the interests of its members, donors and staff since its foundation in 1818. As early as 1821 the Members dedicated a space to paintings and drawings, "for might not some future Opie want but for the fostering stimulus of such a society as this to call his talents forth." This spirit was continued by our great benefactor, Alfred De Pass, who presented works by Hogarth, Stothard and Tuke. Opie himself is well represented as well as works by the Newlyn and St Ives Schools. The collection has recently been enhanced by a large donation of works by Bryan Pearce, selected during his lifetime and bequeathed to us by his estate. The RIC also hosts the Cornwall Schools Art Collection (see Cornwall County Council).