Society for the Encouragement of the Fine Arts
The Society for the Encouragement of the Fine Arts was established in 1858, and was based in the architectural galleries and offices at 9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, London. Meetings were held at various galleries to increase technical knowledge.
The society's 9 Conduit Street location was the former town residence of the Earl of Macclesfield, and was shared by the society with several other organisations, including the Architectural Association, the Architectural Publication Society, the Architectural Union Company, the District Surveyors' Association, the Royal Photographic Society, the Provident Institution of Builders' Foremen and Clerks of Works, the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Society of Biblical Archaeology, the Society for the Encouragement of the Fine Arts, and access to the Museum of Building Appliances.
Those who were officers of the society included: the Earl of Carlisle ; the Earl of Ellesmere ; Viscount Stratford de Redcliffe ; the Duke of Manchester ; George Charles Haité ; and the Lord Mayor of London.
Election to the membership was by means of a council ballot, with women being eligible.
