Local resident and artist Irene Strange reports on the 110th annual exhibition of the Portsmouth and Hampshire Art Society, at Portsmouth Anglican Cathedral, 27th July – 7th August.
The Portsmouth & Hampshire Art Society was formed in 1909 under the guidance of the renowned marine artist W. L. Wyllie R.A., who became the first President. Wyllie has been described by Portsmouth’s National Museum of the Royal Navy as ‘the most distinguished marine artist of his day‘ and moved to Portsmouth in 1906, where he became closely associated with the Navy.
Today the Art Society has over 200 members and members meet monthly at Mary Rose School, including for demonstrations of different art techniques, such as portraying movement and working with pencils or acrylics. In addition, a group of Society members meet to paint and draw in any medium most Thursdays during term time at Becket Hall, Oyster Street, behind St. Thomas Cathedral, Old Portsmouth. You can find more information on the group and the dates it runs here.
Every year the Society runs an exhibition in Portsmouth to showcase the talent of local artists in the city and region. Visitors are reminded of the first president from the moment they arrive, with a photograph of W.L. Wyllie featured at the entrance. More than 600 works will be displayed in the Nave of the Cathedral and entry is free. The exhibition runs from 27th July to 7th August.
A full calendar of events can be found over at the Society’s website.
The exhibition is open to everyone and will feature works for sale, so whether you love art, are looking for a new painting for your home, or know one of the artists being exhibited, everyone is welcome. The diverse membership of the society also guarantees a diversity of style, subject and media on display, so this is one not to be missed!
To find out more about the Society or to become a member, head over to the Portsmouth and Hampshire Art Society website.
