ABOUT THE LECHLADE ART SOCIETY
History, Aims and Activities
Early in 1986, a small group of enthusiastic amateur artists under the leadership of Tom Askwith discussed the formation of an art society in Lechlade. Tom, an amateur artist with many years experience, had given beginners classes as a fund raiser for St Lawrence Church the previous year. So, under the chairmanship and guidance of Tom, the Lechlade Art Society (the Society) was formed and soon grew to a membership of 100 with an active working Committee.
Lucy Cleeve was the first President of the Society until her death in 1989. Tom was then invited to become President and Ted Pierce was elected Chairman of the Society. In 1992, Ted stood down after three more successful years and Lin Collier was elected the Society’s third Chairman.
In 1990, thirteen members designed and produced an illustrated map of Lechlade. This was reproduced and 100 copies were sold, as a limited edition, enabling the Society to give £100 to the Parish Church clock fund. The original painting now hangs in St Lawrence Church in Lechlade.
Joan Liller of Lechlade, one of the founder members of the Society in 1986 and pictured above with Lady Faringdon, was next elected President. Sadly, Joan passed away on the morning of 1st June 2015. Ann Snow, also one of the founder members in 1986 and pictured above, then became President until she retired in 2022. Sharon Ellis, previously Chair for many years, is our current President.
The Rt Hon Lord Faringdon is our Patron, a post he has held for a number of years.
Lucy Cleeve was the first President of the Society until her death in 1989. Tom was then invited to become President and Ted Pierce was elected Chairman of the Society. In 1992, Ted stood down after three more successful years and Lin Collier was elected the Society’s third Chairman.
In 1990, thirteen members designed and produced an illustrated map of Lechlade. This was reproduced and 100 copies were sold, as a limited edition, enabling the Society to give £100 to the Parish Church clock fund. The original painting now hangs in St Lawrence Church in Lechlade.
Joan Liller of Lechlade, one of the founder members of the Society in 1986 and pictured above with Lady Faringdon, was next elected President. Sadly, Joan passed away on the morning of 1st June 2015. Ann Snow, also one of the founder members in 1986 and pictured above, then became President until she retired in 2022. Sharon Ellis, previously Chair for many years, is our current President.
The Rt Hon Lord Faringdon is our Patron, a post he has held for a number of years.
Sharon Ellis, President, presenting the Oscart Award to Jill Smith at the AGM, July 2022
The Society presented its first exhibition in the summer of 1986 and this has been an annual event since, with growing success. It is always pleasing to see newcomers exhibiting their work for the first time at the exhibition which is generally held in the Memorial Hall in August. The Society does not have a selection committee so the choice of work exhibited is that of the artists themselves which makes a varied and interesting exhibition.
The Society depends on the active involvement of the membership for its continued success. It is therefore hoped that all members will participate in the various advertised events and give their support to any appeals for assistance with the Society’s activities.
A particular aim of the Society is to encourage beginners, and many classes have been arranged to teach and improve members’ skills in their chosen medium. In addition, established members have had the opportunity to widen their skills base by trying new methods of working in new media or revisiting old techniques and processes.
Activities throughout the year include a varied programme of talks and demonstrations by invited professional artists and speakers. The Society also encourages members to give talks and demonstrations in their own area of expertise and such events are well supported by all.
Workshops, outdoor painting sessions, open studios and the regular "Thursday Group" meetings are also enjoyed by the members.
For more information about the aims and objectives of the Society, view or download the Constitution document from the link on the Membership page. See the Contact page for the current Committee members and their roles.