About the ICA
The members room in Dover Street, 1950
Ref.TGA 955/18/1
Photograph courtesy of The Architectural Review
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Auction in aid of the ICA at Sothebys, 1968
Ref. TGA 955/18/1
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The Institute of Contemporary Arts was founded in 1947 by Sir Herbert Read, Roland Penrose, ELT Mesens and Peter Watson. Although originally imagined as a counterpart to the Museum of Modern Art in New York, they settled on the idea of the ICA as a workshop, ‘a laboratory rather than a museum’, a meeting place for the arts and their practitioners.
At the start the ICA’s offices were at the London Gallery, and later in Charlotte Street, and exhibitions were held in rented, temporary spaces. The ICA’s first home was at 17/18 Dover Street, which opened in December 1950. From then on the majority of events could be held on the premises although films were shown at the French Institute and concerts were often arranged for larger London venues such as the Royal Festival Hall. Facilities at Dover Street included an exhibition space, a library (where smaller exhibitions could also be displayed), and a members’ room, as well as offices.
By the mid-1960s it became clear that they’d outgrown Dover Street and talks began to secure new premises. In 1968 the ICA moved to Nash House on the Mall, along with the other societies comprising the Association of Societies of Art and Design. The money for the re-fit of Nash House was partially raised through an auction of works donated by supportive artists including Duchamp, Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore.
Throughout the ICA’s history, the Institute has supported and encouraged a wide range of events. As well as the visual arts there have always been strong programmes of theatre, dance, music, talks, performance, cinema, often featuring the first UK performances by many now legendary practitioners.
Launched September 2007