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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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 Jacob Epstein

Sir Jacob Epstein

Sculptor and painter, renowned for producing controversial works of art that challenged the taboos of his time. Born New York City and arrived in London, via Paris, in 1905. 1909 - 1914 had a studi...

Person, Art, Sculpture, USA

10 memorials
Thomas Girtin

Thomas Girtin

Water-colour painter.  Born Great Bandy Leg Walk, Southwark but brought up in the City.  Worked alongside Turner as a copyist 1794 to 1797.  Toured Britain painting local views.  1802 Girtin painte...

Person, Art

1 memorial
Robert Polhill Bevan

Robert Polhill Bevan

Painter,  born Hove.  Founding member of the Camden Town Group, the London Group, and the Cumberland Market Group.  Married Polish painter Stanisława de Karłowska and thereafter spent many summers ...

Person, Art, Poland

1 memorial
Guido Reni

Guido Reni

Italian painter.

Person, Art, Italy

1 memorial
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