Charcoal Club photograph and ephemera collection

The Charcoal Club, Inc. of Baltimore was formally inaugurated in 1885, although there is mention of its existence in 1883.

One of the prime reasons for its inauguration was the prudery of Baltimore residents, who felt that drawing from the nude was indecent. Nude females and males (the former hard to get) were provided for sessions at various locations in the city. For many years it was a flourishing society, and contained many well known figures in Baltimore life. Perhaps the most famous was Dr. Adalbert Volck (1828-1912) the Baltimore dentist and famous local artist.

The Club assisted in the formation of Sketch Club, The Bal des Arts, and the Art Club of Baltimore.

For some years the wealth of the members enabled the Club to meet in somewhat palatial locations, but gradually (and particularly in the 1930's) membership dwindled, and for a time there was a likelihood that it would cease. Various members whipped up enthusiasm, and today, although the membership numbers less than 50, it still meets, but the heyday of weekly meetings, frequent exhibitions, the Bal des Arts and other social functions, has departed.