Women's International Art Club (WIAC), 1899-

The idea of a women's art club originated in 1899 with a handful of artists in a Paris studio at a time when most women were unable to take part in professional activities. The object of the club was to enable women of all nationalities to arrange exhibitions of a professional standard. The original title of the club was the Paris Club, this was changed to Women's International Art Club after the first exhibition. Exhibitions were held in a variety of London galleries. In 1947 the annual exhibition was opened by Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent, who became patron of the club the same year. Names of exhibitors include Dame Ethel Walker, Dame Laura Knight, Anne Redpath, Anthea Ailey, Elinor Bellingham-Smith and Sonia Delaunay.