The 1901 Arts Club is found on Exton Street, a stones throw from Waterloo Station and exists thanks to conductor and violinist Joji Hattori. Whilst living in London, he experienced the shortage of centrally located rehearsal and performance spaces for chamber music and decided to establish a space that would provide an intimate venue for recitals and chamber concerts in a European salon style.
It opened its doors in 2007 to the public having previously been a schoolmasters house (the old school next door is now a graphic design studio) and even a base for the rail company whilst the Jubilee Line was being built.
It was built in 1901 and still has its late Victorian exterior with a downstairs performance area and licensed bar. There is a meeting room and terrace and the building can be hired for functions.
The club encourages people to enjoy performances in an intimate surrounding whilst socialising with other guests in the bar. With seating for less than fifty people (on my visit) you are guaranteed to experience a performance with a very personal feel to it.
My visit was to see “The French Connection” with Andhika Patrick on piano.
Erik Satie - Gnossiene No.1
Chopin - Etude Op.25 No.1, Etude Op.10 No.11, Berceuse Op.57, Nocturne Op.9 No.12 (Encore)
Debussy - L’Isle joyeuse, Claire De Lune
Ravel - La Valse
Saint Saëns - Le Cygne
Schumann - Carnaval Op.9 No.12 ‘Chopin’
Roupell Street
Outside the club you are a stumble from Roupell Street - named after John & Catherine who rest at nearby St. John’s Church (Waterloo Road). Roupell Street is a conservation area which doubles as a popular film and TV filming location. The street was built in the mid 1820s by John Palmer Roupell - the streets to the side of Roupell Street were originally called Catherine Street (named after his wife, now Whittlesey Street East), John Street (now named Theed Street) and Richard Street (named after their son and now called Whittlesey Street West.)The street has survived development and the Blitz and still has its own pub - The Kings Arms.
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