Bantock House, Wolverhampton, the venue for our Meetings, Workshops and Demonstrations

Wolverhampton has a long history of group activity by people interested in Art and its practical applications. In 1884 the Wolverhampton Amateur Sketching Club held its first exhibition. The club was closely associated with the School of Art but had a wider membership than the School’s students; it was actively supported by several well known names in the area including Mander, Underhill, Major, Howells and particularly the Twentymans who held the Secretaryship until 1908. From these early years until the 20th century, the club staged annual exhibitions in the newly built Art Gallery. They were well organised, popularly attended and widely reported in local and regional newspapers. In 1887 over 170 works were exhibited from a membership of 47.

In 1919 a new venture by a number of committed individuals, including professional artists, saw the foundation of Wolverhampton Art Circle , later in 1938, to change its name to Wolverhampton Society of Artists. From the outset it aimed to achieve high standards, was soon exhibiting annually in the Art Gallery and was expanding in both size and stature.

Over the years the Society has had many eminent members in the field of painting, sculpture and other mediums including Robert Emmerson, Edward Butler–Bayliss, Percy Shakespeare and Sir Charles Wheeler who became President of the Royal Academy. In more recent times the membership has continued to broaden, reflecting the Society’s pursuit of its principal aim of “the cultivation of self-expression in the visual arts and the promotion of interest therein”. In 1996 Wolverhampton Council reaffirmed its permission for the Society to use the City’s coat of arms.

In 1919 a new venture by a number of committed individuals, including professional artists, saw the foundation of Wolverhampton Art Circle , later in 1938, to change its name to Wolverhampton Society of Artists. From the outset it aimed to achieve high standards, was soon exhibiting annually in the Art Gallery and was expanding in both size and stature.

Over the years the Society has had many eminent members in the field of painting, sculpture and other mediums including Robert Emmerson, Edward Butler–Bayliss, Percy Shakespeare and Sir Charles Wheeler who became President of the Royal Academy. In more recent times the membership has continued to broaden, reflecting the Society’s pursuit of its principal aim of “the cultivation of self-expression in the visual arts and the promotion of interest therein”. In 1996 Wolverhampton Council reaffirmed its permission for the Society to use the City’s coat of arms.

MEMBERS The current membership is maintained at around 230 representing a wide cross-section of the public. The majority are practising artists ranging from the professional to the recreational painter or sculptor. A number are students undertaking full time art courses and others attend adult education classes. This broad spectrum brings a source of fresh ideas and creativity to the Society. Our range of activities also provides stimulus and opportunities to meet like-minded people in an informal manner.
A Committee, chosen by the members at the AGM, administers the Society and organises its programme. The Society is non-profit making and most activities are funded by members’ subscriptions.

AIMS The Society aims to involve its members in the practice, development and appreciation of the visual arts. To that end a variety of activities are offered as a source of inspiration and enjoyment.

ACTIVITIES Among those provided by the Society are the following:

Talks and Demonstrations - These are held on a monthly basis and provide a mix of practical demonstrations and talks on all aspects of art including painting, sculpting, print making, and art appreciation.
Sketch Nights - Practical sessions are available with the use of the life model or still life facilities. These sessions are untutored, but helpful suggestions, if wanted, may be forthcoming from other members.

Workshops - These are usually a one day practical session with a tutor to demonstrate and give guidance in a wide range of media and subject matter.

All these activities are normally held at Bantock House which is situated about 2 miles south west of the city.

Painting Days - Members have the opportunity to visit local places of interest and enjoy (weather permitting) a day in the fresh air painting.

Visits - To places of interest including Galleries, current exhibitions and art fairs.

EXHIBITIONS The Society has always had close ties with Wolverhampton Art Gallery and since its inception, held its Annual Exhibitions there until 2004, when they were discontinued due to the recently completed building works.

They were the principal event among our activities and we are pleased to be exhibiting again in 2007. Members are invited to submit two works for consideration by the selection panel and there is usually an optional theme with a prize awarded for the winning entry.

We encourage a “meet the artist “ approach with demonstrations and the opportunity for members of the public to have their own “hands on” experience.

MAGAZINE The Limner is a twice yearly magazine that is circulated free of charge within the Society, containing articles by members and guest contributors on a variety of art related topics. They range from light hearted to informative articles and there is usually a question or two to test your art knowledge.

HOW TO JOIN If you are interested in joining the Society please speak to a member or contact the Secretary. Membership subscription is £15 per year with a one-off joining fee of £5. Applicants are required to complete a brief form and send 3 or 4 photographs of their recent work. All applications are considered by the Committee at their regular meetings.