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.

Initiated the blue plaque scheme in 1866, now run by English Heritage.

Information from Soane Museum and ODNB.

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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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Garrick plaque - gone

Garrick died in this house.

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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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Other Subjects

Howard Carter

Howard Carter

Archaeologist and artist. Born at 10 Rich Terrace, Kensington. He first went to Egypt as an artist and drew the painted reliefs of Queen Hatsheput at Thebes. After several years as chief inspector ...

Person, Art, Exploring, History, Egypt

1 memorial
Create London

Create London

From their website: Create London commissions art and architecture in the public realm. Create works with local communities in cities to commission art and architecture that is ambitious, purposefu...

Group, Architecture, Art

2 memorials
New English Art Club

New English Art Club

Founded as an alternate venue to the Royal Academy. Its first exhibition was mounted by young artists returning from their studies in Paris. The Impressionist style featured prominently. Famous exh...

Group, Art

1 memorial
Carol Misch
1 memorial
John Skeaping

John Skeaping

Painter and sculptor. Born John Rattenbury Skeaping in South Woodford, Essex. He studied at Goldsmith's College, the Central School of Arts and Crafts and later at the Royal Academy. In 1924 he won...

Person, Art, Sculpture, Mexico

1 memorial

Previously viewed

P. J. Thompson

P. J. Thompson

Co-partner or employee of the South Suburban Gas Company. Served but did not die in WW1.

Person, Armed Forces

War served, WW1
1 memorial