3-078-121 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Billiard-Room, Carlton Club, 1890. Private members' club in the St James's area of London. It was the original home of the Conservative Party before the creation of Conservative Central Office. Historically and by tradition, only men could become full members after being proposed and seconded by two current members who have known the applicant and been members themselves for at least two years. From the 1970s onwards, there were female associate members, but they were unable to vote. The club finally allowed women to become full members in 2008, 176 years after it was founded. Membership of the club is by nomination and election only. From "Illustrated London News", 1890.