The Group began in 1952, the founder members were pupils and admirers of the works of Stanley Royle. At the time they were unable to contact him for permission to use his name. It was assumed he had returned to Canada so they became The Royalist Art Group.

Aims then were the same as todays' aims, to help and encourage the furtherance of painting and drawing. Stanley Royle was a great exponent of working outside and the Group still follows this aim. In 2008 after a chance meeting with relatives of Stanley, permission was sought and granted and the group became The Royle Art Group.