Chelsea Arts Club membership (waiting list) is by invitation only. Two members who've known you for at least two years have to recommend you. The club was formed in 1891 on the instigation of James Whistler (gulp). From 1908 to 1958 the club held fancy dress balls at Albert Hall to raise money for artists' charities, but ceased the Albert Hall events due to their notoriety and rowdiness (Yes!). Those events were replaced with private functions that include lavish decorations and themes. Some events are what some would call slightly controversial.
The Chelsea Arts Club building looks interesting, to say the least. Details later this weekend. My-oh-my.
There are other photos of the Chelsea Arts Club that show a completely different (and even wilder) facade painting. It'll be interesting to see what it looks like when we get there.
