Formed in 1891 when its premises were 101 King's Road this club, which was intended to be a centre for artists to enjoy good company and food at reasonable prices, moved to here in Old Church Street in 1902. Its members have been considerable throng of the best artists working in London since its inception. The original rules required that its members should only be men, and that was firmly sexually discriminating, who were professionally involved with some branch of art. According to Thea Holme in her book 'Chelsea' published in 1972 the territory of discrimination had then been reduced to the billiard-room bar. The club used to organise the Chelsea Arts Club Ball which was held for many years in the Royal Albert Hall. For the ball the decor would be designed by one of the club's famed members, Augustus John, Stephen Spurrier, Alfred Munnings and Charles Wheeler were each involved at some time. This splendid event was deemed to have become too riotous and was stopped in the late 1950's.

O/S Co-ords:2701.7770
Source(s):

Chelsea