This initially traditional society, set up with a membership of seven painters and five sculptors, created in 1919, changed after Ben Nicholson was invited to join the group in 1924. He drove it to become the leading force in British modernist art and brought along into the society many leading artists of the day. Its final act was the first all abstract exhibition in 1935 at the Zwemmer Gallery in London. Founder-member Ivon Hitchens, who stayed with the society right throughout its history, transformed his art during this period under its influence. Developed in association with Grant Waters, Art Detective Group Leader: South East England, East England and the Midlands.