The first preliminary meeting of the society took place in Glasgow on 21 December 1877 as a reaction to a lack of interest in watercolour art by existing exhibitors.
[1] It was founded to "promote, through exhibition, the medium of watercolour and encourage the bold, free and colourful qualities of Scottish Painting.
"[2] The society received permission from Queen Victoria to use the prefix "Royal" in February 1888.
[3] Throughout its history many renowned artists have been members, including David McClure, William McTaggart, Adam Bruce Thomson, Claire Harrigan, George Paul Chalmers, Alison Dunlop, William Somerville Shanks, Elizabeth Blackadder and Barbara Rae.
Past vice presidents include Alison Dunlop, Helga Chart, Gregor Smith and Iona Montgomery.