Group    From 1754 

Royal Society of Arts

Categories: Art, Commerce

Founded by William Shipley as the "Society of Arts" in Rawthmell's Coffee House. They carried on meeting in coffee houses and taverns but as the society grew they needed more space. Shipley rented a house in Craig's Court, SW1 and In February 1755 he rented out two rooms to the society. June 1756 the society moved to a house in Castle Court, Strand. In 1759 they purchased the lease of a warehouse in Denmark Court, north of the Strand and Sir William Chambers altered it to meet their needs.

They then had the building in the Adelphi built by the Adam brothers for their use, 18 John Street, now 8 John Adam Street.

In 1908 the society was granted permission to add "Royal" to the name.

Information from Soane Museum and ODNB.

This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Royal Society of Arts

Commemorated ati

William Shipley

This plaque commemorates the tercentenary of Shipley's birth and the site of ...

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This section lists the memorials created by the subject on this page:
Royal Society of Arts

Creations i

Dickens plaque - EC1

But he did not live in the building here today, he lived in Furnival's Inn.

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Fanny Burney

Erected in 1885 this is the oldest surviving "blue" plaque to a woman.

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George Cruikshank

George Cruikshank, artist, lived here, from 1850 to 1878. B: Sept.27th 1792....

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Harry Vane

Sir Harry Vane, statesman, lived here. Born 1612. Beheaded 1662. {Almost hid...

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House of Royal Soc. for Encouragement of Arts etc

The House of Royal Soc. for Encouragement of Arts Manufactures and Commerce. ...

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Other Subjects

Allan Ramsay

Allan Ramsay

Painter Born Edinburgh. Died in Dover.

Person, Art, Scotland

1 memorial
Angelica Kauffman

Angelica Kauffman

Painter. Born Switzerland. Arrived in London in 1766 and was quickly successful. Lived in Golden Square with her father. One of only two women amongst the founders of the Royal Academy of Arts. ...

Person, Art, Switzerland

1 memorial
Arthur George Walker

Arthur George Walker

Sculptor and painter. Born Hackney. Other work in London: Heston war memorial.

Person, Art, Sculpture

7 memorials
William Brett
1 memorial
Thomas Stothard

Thomas Stothard

Painter and illustrator.  Buried in Bunhill burial ground.

Person, Art

2 memorials