Chelsea Art Society – Celebrated its 61st Annual Open Art Exhibition last July at the Chelsea Festival,
and prepares for 2009 Exhibition

History

Founded in 1910, The Chelsea Art Society is the oldest and sole survivor of the many art groups that blossomed in the area around that period. Rossetti and Turner began the trend to settle in Chelsea in the mid 19th Century, followed by Whistler, Sickert, Augustus John and John Singer Sargent. Amongst the group was Sir James Dromgole Linton, a frequent exhibitor at the Royal Academy and an Honorary member of the Scottish Water Colour Society. He chose Chelsea as the place to found an art group to exhibit annually.

The Chelsea Art Society flourished and even survived the disruption of two World Wars, revived in 1946 by Alfred Egerton Cooper RBA.

Its current President is renowned artist, Julian Barrow, who lives and works in a famous studio in Tite Street, Chelsea. There are currently around 100 members and artists are invited to join the Society through having shown exceptional work at the exhibition over a three year period. The majority of exhibitors tend to be residents of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea but are free to apply from all over the UK.

Traditionally, the Mayors of Chelsea have always been patrons of the Society. Other past patrons have included Lord Olivier, Joyce Grenfell, Lord Thornycroft and Lord Rawlinson of Ewell QC. Present patrons include The Earl Cadogan DL. There are also distinguished honorary members, including Ken Howard RA RWS NEAC.