Three Arts Club

The Club was originally located at 19a Marylebone Road, London in the building that was originally The Cripples’ Home and Industrial School for Girls which closed c.1910 and then Northumberland House became the new home of the Three Arts Club. The Club had originated c. 1907 in the Strand as the Frances Club. It was founded by Hilda Pocock, as a day club for women working in music, art and drama. It had an advisory board that included actor Arthur Pinero, (1855-1934) composer Edward Elgar, (1857-1934) and artist John Singer Sargent. Others involved included Nellie Melba and Clara Butt. The aim of the Club was to provide safe, inexpensive lodging and social amenities to professional and student women in the arts. Bedrooms for approximately 100 women were available for short or long-term stays, plus a communal dining hall, writing and reception rooms and an entertainment hall. Famous actresses who resided there included Gwen Frangçon-Davies, (1891-1992) and Binnie Hale, (1899-1984).

Studios for artists to work in and exhibit were organised c. 1912 at nearby 3 Nottingham Place and during World War I, a Club shop was open in Baker Street to help promote and sell artworks by resident ladies. In 1938 the Three Arts Club relocated to Granville Place, Portman Street close to Marble Arch. Today the site is now occupied by part of the University of Westminster rebuilt during the mid-1960’s.