History
“This Club is instituted for the purpose of facilitating the social intercourse of those connected with, or interested in Art, Literature or Science”
The Arts Club was founded in 1863 by men of vision in order to provide a haven for those people who had professional or amateur relationships with the Arts, Literature or Sciences. The Club has provided this hospitality and friendship ever since, having survived two world wars including a direct hit on the building during the Blitz in 1940, as well as the fluctuations in the economy over the years.
The Club moved to its present house in 1896. 40 Dover Street is a fine 18th Century town house, affording its members a comfortable and impressive base in Mayfair.
In the course of its existence the club has included amongst its members many of the most outstanding figures in the history of art, literature and science. Writers such as Dickens, Wilkie Collins and Thomas Hughes; musicians such as Tosti, Charles Halle and Liszt; artists such as Leighton, Sickert, Millais, Rodin and Whistler as well as a dazzling array of pre-eminent surgeons, solicitors and professionals.
During 2011 the Club underwent a complete renovation, it has been completely transformed into a truly world class establishment.
The principal areas of interest amongst the members are: Art, Architecture, Fashion, Film, Literature, Music, Performance, Photography, Science, Theatre, and TV/media.
It is very much the place where creative people come together to meet, exchange ideas, eat, drink, entertain and relax. The Arts Club has reclaimed its place at the heart of the contemporary cultural life in London and on the world stage.
The Club’s art collection highlights international trends, as well as maintaining a special focus on London-based artists. Amelie von Wedel, the curator, has chosen the art to create a combination of site-specific installations and carefully selected acquisitions. The collection includes work by Tomas Saraceno, John Baldessari and John Stezakar.
The interior has been designed by David D’Almada who has tastefully created a timeless ambiance juxtaposing vintage furniture with new.
The Club moved to its present house in 1896. 40 Dover Street is a fine 18th Century town house, affording its members a comfortable and impressive base in Mayfair.
In the course of its existence the club has included amongst its members many of the most outstanding figures in the history of art, literature and science. Writers such as Dickens, Wilkie Collins and Thomas Hughes; musicians such as Tosti, Charles Halle and Liszt; artists such as Leighton, Sickert, Millais, Rodin and Whistler as well as a dazzling array of pre-eminent surgeons, solicitors and professionals.
During 2011 the Club underwent a complete renovation, it has been completely transformed into a truly world class establishment.
The principal areas of interest amongst the members are: Art, Architecture, Fashion, Film, Literature, Music, Performance, Photography, Science, Theatre, and TV/media.
It is very much the place where creative people come together to meet, exchange ideas, eat, drink, entertain and relax. The Arts Club has reclaimed its place at the heart of the contemporary cultural life in London and on the world stage.
The Club’s art collection highlights international trends, as well as maintaining a special focus on London-based artists. Amelie von Wedel, the curator, has chosen the art to create a combination of site-specific installations and carefully selected acquisitions. The collection includes work by Tomas Saraceno, John Baldessari and John Stezakar.
The interior has been designed by David D’Almada who has tastefully created a timeless ambiance juxtaposing vintage furniture with new.
