Worksop Society of Artists held their usual annual exhibition this year which included a presentation of early members works of art and memorabilia to commemorate the group’s 80th anniversary.
The inaugural meeting of the Worksop Society of Artists (WSA) took place at the, then, offices of the Worksop Guardian towards the end of WWII in October 1944. Those present at the meeting were Mr FHR Sissons, who became the first president, Mr DH Bartrop and Druie Bowett, a local but well-known artist who went on to be a leading influential member for many years.
Initially, membership was quite exclusive and somewhat elitist. Members would have to meet certain standards in their artwork, judged by a selection panel before being accepted.
The WSA had connections to Thoresby Hall through the Countess Manvers who became a patron in 1945 and opened one of the society’s first exhibitions in Worksop.
For over 50 years the WSA had problems finding a venue for their monthly meetings, sometimes meeting in members’ homes. It wasn’t until the late 90s that the WSA found a more permanent home at Worksop Cricket Club, ironically at the time the Society lost one of its founder members and staunch supporter with the death of Druie Bowett in December 1998.
Many WSA members throughout the years have gone on to become prestigious, professional and published artists, including Stanley Royle, David Templeton, Geoff Kersey, Sydney Wright, Pip Coombes. Gordon Chell, Graham Duckmanton and Norman Evans.
Presently, the WSA organises an annual Summer Exhibition of members’ artwork at Sparken Hill Academy, Worksop, for which they are very grateful. Past venues for their exhibitions have included Clumber Park, Rufford, The Crossing and Bassetlaw Museum.
The WSA now hold weekly meetings every Monday, still at Worksop Cricket Club, Central Avenue, in their function room which has pleasant views over the cricket ground and bowling green. Members are very grateful to them for allowing the Society to use this venue.
They have a varied programme of events and demonstrations by professional artists and include hands-on workshops and outings to interesting places, all of which are optional. They do not offer regular tuition but members are willing to give help, encouragement and advice.
Nowadays, they are far from being elitist and the Society welcomes artists of all abilities who are interested in joining like-minded people to go along. They’re open for anyone to drop in between 10.00am and 3.00pm every Monday. Join them for a free session to see for yourself and decide whether it’s for you. They believe being relaxed and creative in a pleasant atmosphere is a great benefit to personal wellness.