Join us for a special evening of Irish Craft Whiskey, where you’ll have the chance to sample three exceptional pours from one of Ireland’s most exciting distillers.
We’ll be tasting:
Donn – A rich, complex expression that showcases the depth of Irish whiskey craftsmanship.
Taoscan – A refined blend with layers of character, perfect for those who appreciate smooth yet bold whiskey.
19-Year-Old Bourbon Barrel Single Malt – A rare gem that went on to be crowned Ireland’s Single Malt of the Year at the World Whisky Awards 2022.
Guided by experts, this tasting will take you on a journey through the unique profiles and heritage of these exceptional whiskeys. Whether you’re a connoisseur or just beginning to explore the world of Irish whiskey, this is an event not to be missed.
Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now. Sláinte!
Join us for our monthly vinyl night "Uptown". Get ready to dive into a veritable rainbow of soul music, all served up on the classic, crackling goodness of original LPs. And oh, the line-up? We've got the sensational Kitty Live and Patsy Harris plus Dean Chalkley, Dom Ore, Mark Taylor, and Jaffa on the decks.
This event is open to members and up to four guests.
In honour of the IFTUK’s St. Brigid’s Festival 2025, join us for a special Masters at Work evening at the Century Club, celebrating the trailblazing contributions of three prolific female filmmakers: Maeve Murphy, Julie Baines, and Farah Abushwesha. These remarkable women, each at the forefront of independent Film & TV production, will share their stories, insights, and strategies for thriving in a competitive and ever-evolving industry.
Meet the Speakers:
Maeve Murphy
Belfast-born Maeve Murphy is an acclaimed writer-director whose feature Silent Grace was ranked 38th in the Irish Times list of the “50 Greatest Irish Films Ever Made.” Her body of work, recognized with accolades at international film festivals including Cannes, Venice, and Sochi, demonstrates her mastery in storytelling across both short and feature-length films. In development with Screen Ireland, her feature project St. Pancras Sunrise is set to continue her legacy of evocative, award-winning cinema.
Julie Baines
With 30 years of experience producing independent Film & TV, Julie Baines is a respected industry veteran. Her diverse portfolio spans genres and budgets, including the period drama The Cat’s Meow, the London-set horror Creep, and the family film Four Kids and It. Julie’s dedication to nurturing emerging talent is reflected in her work as a mentor and guest lecturer at the National Film and Television School. Currently, she is Co-Chair of the PACT Film Producers Group and has just delivered the Irish television series Video Nasty for BBC and Virgin Media Ireland.
Farah Abushwesha
A BAFTA-nominated producer and best-selling author, Farah Abushwesha’s credits include Netflix’s Irreplaceable You, ITV’s No Return, and the BBC/Amazon series The ABC Murders. As the founder of the BAFTA Rocliffe New Writing Competition, she has championed countless emerging writers. Farah continues to lead the way with a dynamic slate of upcoming projects, demonstrating her passion for storytelling across both film and television.
This talk is open to members and their guests.
The Century Club is proud to present an exhibition of original paintings by the legendary Frank Norman (9 June 1930-23 December 1980), showcasing around 30 works from a man whose life and art captured the grit and glamour of mid-20th century Britain.
Frank Norman’s story is as compelling as his art. Born on the 9th of June 1930, Norman grew up in Barnardo’s Homes, finding his early escape in a variety of jobs, from working in a tomato nursery to joining a circus. His darker turn into petty crime landed him in prison, where he discovered a passion for art during prison-run classes. On his release, he set out to transform his life, becoming a celebrated writer and playwright.
Norman’s prison memoir, Bang to Rights, was a literary sensation, featuring a foreword by none other than Raymond Chandler. This success was followed by his smash-hit musical Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T’Be, which cemented his reputation as a leading voice of his generation. In Soho, he became a fixture of the infamous Colony Room Club, counting Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud among his friends.
The paintings on display, dating predominantly from 1955 to 1985, provide a window into Norman’s creative soul during one of the most transformative decades of his life. His work captures the spirit of an artist whose journey was marked by resilience, reinvention, and unflinching honesty.
This exhibition coincides with a special show at The French House, which features photographs of Soho in the 1960s taken by his friend Jeffrey Bernard to illustrate the book ‘Soho Night and Day’, written by Frank, offering a broader look at the vibrant, chaotic world that inspired Norman’s art and writing.
ATTRIBUTED: Francis Bacon show opening in the Club Lounge in October 2024
In 1978, at a party in Rome, the artist Francis Bacon met Cristiano Ravarino, leading to a friendship and occasional romantic relationship that lasted until Bacon's death in 1992. During this period Ravarino claims Bacon gave him various drawings, pastels, and sketches, both out of generosity and to circumvent his controlling gallery. The Ravarino Collection, which includes small pencil sketches and large mixed-media collages, revisits Bacon's classic themes such as Popes, crucifixions, and distorted faces. While the collection has been exhibited globally, it remains controversial, with debates about the authenticity of the works. The collection has been declared genuine in a Bologna court case and has been supported by Italian art critics and the British art historian Edward Lucie-Smith, but it has never been authenticated by the Bacon estate or the author of the official Bacon catalogue.
We are proud to present this provocative collection at Century, inviting you to explore and draw your own conclusions about these compelling works attributed to Francis Bacon.
This show will open on the 17th October 2024. To register interest in attending the private view please email the curators here.
Francesca Skelhorn, an artist born and raised in Kent, “The Garden of England,” finds deep inspiration in her upbringing and the influence of her grandmother, who raised her from the age of three. This early connection fostered her admiration for strong, unique women—a recurring theme in her work. With a professional background spanning fashion, academia, and life coaching, Francesca’s dedication to empowering young talent and encouraging innovation has become the cornerstone of her artistic journey.
Her art celebrates the diversity of the female form, with a particular focus on faces, using bold patterns, vibrant colors, and distinctive elongated necks to reflect the individuality and mood of each subject. Inspired by Yoko Ono’s “We’re All Water,” Francesca’s project of the same name embraces the shared humanity that unites us all. By naming each character and imbuing them with unique personalities, Francesca’s work fosters connections to inner joy, confidence, and self-expression, resonating deeply with collectors who describe her creations as centering and uplifting.
Our membership is drawn largely from the arts, media and creative industries, but we welcome individuals from all walks of life. Century membership not only includes access to our club in London’s theatreland, but also opens doors to our roster of over 30 sister clubs around the world.
