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

Whitechapel Art Gallery
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
Sir Godfrey Kneller

Sir Godfrey Kneller

Portrait painter. His set of portraits of Kit-Cat Club members is on display in the National Portrait Gallery.

Person, Art

1 memorial
Stella Newton

Stella Newton

Fashion designer and dress historian, who brought the history of fashion to bear on art history and the dating of paintings. She designed for the theatre and for fashion, having her own shop in the...

Person, Art, Craft / Design, History

1 memorial
Eric Gill

Eric Gill

Sculptor. Born Brighton. One of thirteen children of a clergyman, he remained religious all his life. Passionate believer in the "carving direct" method. His sculptures would sometimes depict contr...

Person, Art, Craft / Design, Sculpture

4 memorials

Previously viewed

Martha Smith

Martha Smith

Mother of Thomas, Walter, P. L. and L. D.

Person, Friend / family

2 memorials
Vernon Hill

Vernon Hill

Sculptor and illustrator.  Born Halifax, Yorkshire.  Other work in London in St Columba's Church, Pont Street and Church of St Thomas the Apostle, Hanwell.

Person, Art, Sculpture

1 memorial