Athenaeum Club

A private London club founded in 1824, principally for men distinguished in literature, science, the arts, and public life, and including many leading writers, scholars, scientists, artists, clergy, politicians, and senior professionals. The Club rapidly became associated with intellectual and cultural life in nineteenth-century London, and its library reflected these interests. Its clubhouse opened in 1830 at 107 Pall Mall, where the Club remains. Membership was by election and was traditionally limited in number; women have been eligible for election since 2002.