The Society of Dilettanti

I knew I'd missed my crowd. I love this and would have been a true member. Also known as "The Golden Asses." A new Getty exhibition opening on August 7th.
From the Getty.
LOS ANGELES.- In 1734, a group of young British gentlemen, all alumni of the Grand Tour in Italy, formed a dining club in London. Calling themselves the Society of Dilettanti (from the Italian dilettare, to take delight), this close-knit association transformed classical antiquity from a private pleasure to a public benefit by sponsoring archaeological expeditions, forming collections, and publishing influential books on ancient architecture and sculpture.