Ulster Arts Club

Other names: Ulidian Artists Club (1902)
Foundation date: 1902

Function: Art society/club

Policy: 'The objects of the Club shall be to promote the social intercourse of art workers in Belfast & neighbourhood and to further the cause of art by papers, discussions and other kindred means...

That the annual subscription shall be one guinea and that young men between 18 and 21, or between 18 and the end of their apprenticeship shall be admitted as associates at half the yearly subscription.'

Rules: 'Membership shall consist of painters, sculptors, architects, designers, art workers generally, & gentlemen amateurs interested in art.'

History or description: First established in 1902 as the 'Ulidian Artists club' in 2 rooms in Fisherwick Place, renamed the Ulster Arts Club in January 1903.

Founder H. C. Morrow & first president John Vinycomb (Chief designer in Marcus Ward & Co.)

Ulster Art Club's first exhibition 'Exhibition of Decorative & Fine Arts' opened 23rd Nov 1903 (228 exhibits).

Club arranged exhibition of modern art in Municipal Art Gallery in 1906 (150 paintings 45 loan from Hugh Lane collection).

Club influenced by Irish Nationalism and specifically Irish Literature revival - painters began to sign names in Irish (e.g. James Stoupe became Seamus. Club dinners held annually on St. Patrick's night.

The practice of admitting lay members (associate members) began 1906 and in 1908 the rules were amended to include 'musicians and men of letters'.

In 1937 there were 9 sub-committees within the Club; Exhibition; Dramatic & Literary; House; Games; Social & Entertainment; Amenities; Golf Circle; Library & Finance.

Activities: discussions on art, exhibitions (members only), lectures, lectures on art, meetings, musical evenings, sketching excursions, social events, social meetings, soirees

Publications: exhibition catalogues

Benefits: eligible for exhibition, participation in all events, use of club premises

Composition: amateur artists, amateur painters, architects, artisans, professional artists, professional engravers, professional musicians, professional painters, professional portrait painters, professional sculptors, working artists

Funding types: annual subscription

Employees, Students & Members

Numbers: 100 (approx)
Period Start: 1910

Numbers: 200
Period Start: 1930

Citing this record

'Ulster Arts Club', Mapping the Practice and Profession of Sculpture in Britain and Ireland 1851-1951, University of Glasgow History of Art and HATII, online database 2011 [http://sculpture.gla.ac.uk/view/organization.php?id=msib3_1264765012, accessed 30 May 2023]