Chelsea Arts Club

The Chelsea Arts Club established in 1891 was originally located in rooms at 181 King's Road at the instigation of James McNeill Whistler. In 1902, the club moved less than a half-mile to larger premises at 143 Old Church Street, its present location. In 1933 the club's premises, which then possessed an acre of garden, were remodelled and the clubhouse now includes a snooker room, bedrooms and a dining room. During the period 1908 to 1958 the club held a series of public fancy dress balls known as the 'Chelsea Arts Ball' at the Albert Hall, latterly on New Year's Eve, which raised funds for artists' charities. However due to unfavourable publicity they ceased owing to their rowdiness, and private functions with lavish decorations and themes were held at the club instead. In 1966 the club was redecorated, a new bar was opened, and membership was opened to women artists for the first time. The Club is a private members club with a membership of over 2,400 including artists, poets, architects, writers, actors, musicians, photographers and filmmakers. In 2011 the Club underwent extensive redecoration.