Originally The Burlington Fine Arts Club was a London gentlemen’s club, established in 1866. The club had its roots in an informal gathering of amateur art enthusiasts who aimed to combine their interest in art with the atmosphere of a typical gentlemen’s club. The club also doubled up as a regular exhibition venue, its location having been selected for its proximity to Mayfair art dealers.

The founders of the club summed up its purpose by stating that the club sought to “facilitate intercourse between men of art predilections, especially those who were collectors with a view of giving to them convenient opportunities of comparing their acquisitions and of criticising and obtaining information in connection with Art subjects.”

In 2011 the Burlington Fine Arts Club was resurrected in Manchester, existing as a pop up arts and social space running parallel with the events of Manchester International Festival. Following the original premise, the Burlington gives Manchester's local creatives a space to exhibit, establish networks, discuss ideas and an opportunity to engage in Manchester’s grass roots contemporary art scene. And, like all good gentlemen clubs, The Burlington also provides a space to relax, meet and have a stiff drink.

The Burlington offers a way for independent artists in Manchester to be represent themselves in a way that is not cool or contrived. When the sun goes down The Burlington comes to life as a space with unlimited possibilities. With an out of hours programme of events evolved directly from artists and not institutions, The Burlington is the place where deals are done and bonds are formed. Art is made, discussed and exchanged.

Manchester Burlington Fine Arts Club runs a programme of exhibitions, residencies, music events, screenings, talks and podcasts to accompany the reinvention of a classic tradition.