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 ...

Read More

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.

Read More

Fanny Burney

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

Read More

George Cruikshank

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

Read More

Harry Vane

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

Read More

House of Royal Soc. for Encouragement of Arts etc

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

Read More

Other Subjects

Sir William Nicholson

Sir William Nicholson

Artist. Born William Newzam Prior Nicholson in Nottinghamshire. Worked in many fields of art: painter of still-lifes, landscapes and portraits; wood-engraver; illustrator; and designer for the thea...

Person, Art

1 memorial
W. F. Woodington

W. F. Woodington

Born at Sutton Coldfield. Died at home at Brixton Hill.

Person, Art, Sculpture

6 memorials
Mary Lowndes

Mary Lowndes

Artist, suffragette and founder of Artist Suffrage League in 1909. Born Dorset. Trained in stained-glass work. Lived and worked in Chelsea. The photo shows Lowndes in 1890.

Person, Art, Craft / Design, Gender Issues

1 memorial
foundation of the Barbican Arts Centre

foundation of the Barbican Arts Centre

1971 - Construction work begins with an estimate of 6 years to completion. 1982 - Barbican opened by The Queen. Londonist have found a map that shows the Barbican overlaid on top of the old street...

Event, Art

1 memorial