The Scottish Arts Club

The Scottish Arts Club is a private members club which provides an enjoyable and friendly environment for social and artistic activities throughout the year. It is an excellent meeting place in the heart of Edinburgh. It is a haven that offers an exciting annual calendar of events as well as delicious food prepared daily by our Chef. Refreshed monthly, our exhibitions showcase the work of many outstanding and award-winning artists in our varied gallery spaces. Exhibitions are open to the public Tuesday to Friday 10.30am to 5.00pm. In November we host the annual Scottish Portrait Awards. Our History The Scottish Artists’ Club, as originally named, was founded in 1873 by a group of artists and sculptors, including Sir John Steell, Sculptor to Queen Victoria, and Sir George Harvey, President of the Royal Scottish Academy. In 1894, the building at 24 Rutland Square was purchased as a meeting place for men involved in all arts disciplines and Lay Members (those not professionally engaged in the arts) were welcomed. To reflect the widening of membership, the Club was renamed the Scottish Arts Club. Among the first Lay Members admitted in 1894 were Sir Patrick Geddes, a prominent biologist, sociologist and influential town planner; Frederick Niecks, Professor of Music; and David Masson, Professor of English Literature. Although discussions took place at that time concerning the admittance of women as Members of the Club, it was not until 1982 that they were eventually able to join, following contentious debate. In 1998, Mollie Marcellino became the first Lady President of the Club.