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

Sir John Lavery

Sir John Lavery

Painter. Born Belfast. One of the "Glasgow Boys" he went on to become a successful portrait painter.

Person, Art, Ireland, Scotland

1 memorial
John Francis Sartorius

John Francis Sartorius

Painter specialising in sporting and hunting scenes. Born Macclesfield Street into a family of painters. His style was old-fashioned even at the time and changed little in his lifetime.

Person, Art

1 memorial
Paul Donnelly

Paul Donnelly

Artist. We think Donnelly may be the instructor mentioned in this 2010 Ceramics Monthly.

Person, Art

2 memorials
Sir Hugh Lane

Sir Hugh Lane

Art dealer and collector. Born Hugh Percy Lane  In Ballybrack House, Douglas, Cork. He moved to London, and opened an art gallery in 1898. Here he developed a reputation as a shrewd gentleman-deale...

Person, Art, Ireland

1 memorial
John Leech

John Leech

Humorous artist and illustrator, was born at 28 Bennett Street, Stamford Street. Died at home at 6 The Terrace, Kensington.

Person, Art

1 memorial