A POTTED HISTORY OF THE ALRESFORD ART SOCIETY

With thanks to Joan Avery

In the spring of 1965 Mr Alan Charlton, an Art Teacher at Eastleigh Technical College, called a meeting in the Alresford Community Centre with a view to starting an art society in Alresford.

And so the Alresford Art society was formed. Its purpose, to provide members with the opportunity for further knowledge, study and enjoyment of 'The Arts', by arranging talks, lectures and visits to collections of works of art.

Members met on the 1st Friday of the month in the Methodist Hall, Jacklyns Lane, Alresford, at 7.30pm. There was an Annual Exhibition in July of members work and the Society also had a small exhibition in one of the tents at the Alresford Agricultural Show in September, where work shown could be sold.

To enjoy the facilities of the Society, one need not necessarily paint, for the program of speakers covered a wide range of subjects connected with Art. There were demonstrations by Artists in various media and always well supported and greatly enjoyed.

On the social side there were outings to fine houses and gardens, Theatre visits and also short holidays arranged by the late Poppy King, to galleries abroad. Trips were arranged to visit exhibitions in London Galleries. There were also Painting Days when the weather was suitable.

And so now over 50 years later, The Alresford Art Society still flourishes due to the dedicated members, who over the years were prepared to sit on the Committee and give their time so that members can still enjoy all that is on offer.

Long may it continue to do so.

Joan Avery