The Royal Society of Sculptors (RSS) is a British charity established in 1905, which promotes excellence in the art and practice of sculpture. Its headquarters are a centre for contemporary sculpture on Old Brompton Road in South Kensington, London. It is the oldest and largest organisation dedicated to sculpture in the UK. Until 2017, it was known as the Royal British Society of Sculptors
 
Originally constructed around 1820-22 as a pair of early Georgian semi-detached villas (possibly linked to builder William Blake), the structure was dramatically remodelled in 1885-86 by Scottish architect William Flockhart. The ornate red-brick frontage, plaster ceilings, stone fireplaces, and north-light studio were added to create a grand photographic studio for court photographers Elliott & Fry, who catered to elite clients including those in elaborate attire.
 
Sculptor Cecil Thomas acquired the property in 1919, living and working there with his family until his death in 1976. He restored the facade, named it after his late wife Dora, and bequeathed it via the Dora Charitable Trust to the then-Royal British Society of Sculptors (now Royal Society of Sculptors since 2017), providing it a permanent home after decades without one.
 
Interesting fact...
The 1885-86 remodelling created a ground-floor north-light studio marketed specifically for “Ladies in Court Dress or other elaborate costume,” catering to elite clients of photographers Elliott & Fry, whose patron status drew contemporary artists’ works to the walls.