Chelsea Arts Club is a private members' club at 143 Old Church Street in Chelsea, London with a membership of over 4,000, including artists, sculptors, architects, writers, designers, actors, musicians, photographers, and filmmakers. The club was established on 15 November 1890 (in Chelsea), as a rival to the older Arts Club in Mayfair, on the instigation of the artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler, who had been a (sometimes controversial) member of the older club.
During its primary events season from September to April, Chelsea Arts Club serves as a host for many functions, from instrumental and choral performances to film nights, literary talks and weekend artist lunches. Exhibitions of Members’ work are held throughout the year.
Applicants for membership need to be sponsored by two current Members.
The club is located in the former Bolton Lodge, a Grade II listed building on the National Heritage List for England.
History
[[File:Chelsea Arts Ball by William Gordon Burn Murdoch.jpg|thumb|
The Chelsea Art Ball by William Gordon Burn Murdoch]]
Chelsea Arts Club was originally located in rooms at no. 181 King's Road. In 1902, the club moved to larger premises at no. 143 Old Church Street. In 1933 the club's premises, which had an acre of garden, were remodeled. The clubhouse includes a snooker room, bedrooms, dining room, former 'ladies bar' turned private party room, and a garden.
From 1908 to 1958 the club held a series of public fancy dress balls, the Chelsea Arts Club Balls at the Royal Albert Hall, latterly on New Year's Eve, which raised funds for artists' charities. Subsequently, private functions were held at the club instead, with similarly lavish decorations and themes.