Associate members were not allowed to exhibit but could attend meetings and courses. The reason was to ensure the quality of exhibits. Certainly the society was conscious of its standards and subsequently all applicants were required to submit three examples of their work to determine whether they should be admitted! This practice has been discontinued in recent years as it was considered that beginners should be encouraged and support given to all who wished to join the society. All members were able to attend demonstrations and lectures by well-known artists such as Patrick Larking (who was also a member), Edward Wesson, Ronald Jesty, Allan Cotton and latterly Michael Morgan, John Lines, Ray Balkwill, Michael Stride and John Coleman.
A number of catalogues and cuttings have survived and in one a Mr. Jackman recalls one ‘outstanding’ visitor to the 1956 exhibition.
“ He was a rather dirty, greasy old tramp with a matted beard, carrying a sack and a bottle in his pocket. I had unworthy thoughts about him and kept my eye on the cash box. However he stood entranced for a long time before The Judgment of Paris. After shuffling around and viewing the other exhibits, but with far less interest, he gave me 4d, and slept off the effects of the show on a seat in the churchyard.”
I am sure Mr. Jackman valued that 4d!
(The Minster exhibition also had a tramp – alas he donated nothing except a lingering and extremely pungent odour.)
The membership reached a maximum of 170 in 1972 but now stands at approximately 85 because of the formation of more societies and groups of artists.
THE SOCIETY TODAY
The society normally holds two exhibitions a year, one a two-day event in a marquee at the big Axe Vale Shows in June where paintings are sold to visitors from all over the world
The society normally holds two exhibitions a year, one a two-