Cork Street

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A view of Burlington House in the 1690s. Cork Street now runs away from the back of the house on the left hand side.

Beau Brummell, who frequented the tailors of Cork Street and introduced dandyism to Regency London. (Caricature by Richard Dighton, 1805.)

Cork Street is a street in Mayfair in the West End of London, England. It is very well-known in the British art world for the commercial art galleries that dominate the street. It is located to the north of Burlington House, which houses the Royal Academy, a leading British art institution. Immediately to the east and running parallel to Cork Street are New Bond Street and Old Bond Street. The nearest tube station is Green Park.

Cork Street is part of the Burlington Estate ^[1], developed from the 18th century. The first Earl of Burlington was Richard Boyle, 2nd Earl of Cork (1612–1698), hence the name, after the city of Cork in southern Ireland. The street in particular and the area in general was associated with tailors. For example, Beau Brummell (1778–1840), who introduced the flamboyant form of gentleman's fashion in Regency London that became known as dandyism, patronised tailors in Cork Street and its surrounding area. Savile Row, not far from Cork Street to the east, is now the street most associated with high-quality gentleman's tailors today.

In the 20th century, the street became associated with the art world, partly due to its proximity with the Royal Academy on Piccadilly to the south. Victoria Miro Gallery was founded in Cork Street, although it has now moved. Messum's at No. 8 is another notable gallery. Other galleries include The Gallery in Cork Street together with the associated Gallery 27 at Nos 28 and 27 ^[2], the Adam Gallery at No. 24 ^[3] and Beaux Arts London at No. 22 ^[4].

Many British-based artists have exhibited in Cork Street over the years. One of the most notable is Francis Bacon, a leading late-20th century painter. Paintings by Edward Piper and John Piper (the two leading artists in the Piper family) have been exhibited at Messum's ^[5]. Other artists whose works have been shown in Cork Street galleries include William Bowyer, Francis Cotes, Derek Gardner, Hugo Grenville, Heinz Henghes, Eric Meadus, Marilene Oliver, Roland Penrose, Patrick Procktor, Anne Sudworth, Julian Trevelyan, and Clive Wilkins.

[edit] Trivia

John Arbuthnot, a physician, polymath and satirist, died at his house in Cork Street on 27 February 1735.
Brownlow Bertie, 5th Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven (1729–1809) married his first wife on 11 November 1762 in Cork Street.