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

Wolverhampton has a long history of group activity in Art and its application. From 1885 for well over twenty years, Wolverhampton Sketching Club held Annual Exhibitions in the newly built Art Gallery which were widely reported on the press to considerable acclaim.

In 1919, a new venture by a group of committed individuals including professional artists, , saw the foundation of Wolverhampton New Art Circle which later, in 1938, changed its name to Wolverhampton Society of Artists. From the outset it aimed for very high standards in painting, sculpture, ceramics etc, grew in numbers and stature and was soon holding exhibitions in the Art gallery which continued annually for some eighty years until 2004 when they were interrupted by the building of major building extensions. The exhibitions were resumed in 2007 and are now a bi-annual feature in the Galleries Programme.

Over the years, the Society has had many eminent members among whom were Robert Emerson, Edwin Butler-Bayliss, Percy Shakespeare and Sir Charles Wheeler who became, at the time, the President of the Royal Academy. In more recent times, the Society has broadened its activities to include monthly lectures and demonstrations, sketch-night sessions in life and still life, painting days in the field, tutored workshops, visits to art-related venues and the production of its magazine, "The Limner".

The Society encourages work in a wide range of style and medium; it now has a membership approaching 200 many of whom, apart from their involvements in the Society are pro-active across the region and further afield.

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 a bi-annual exhibition of its members work in the  Art Gallery. They are the principal event among our activities. Members are invited to submit two works for consideration by the selection panel. 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  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 £20 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.