A grand old master

From the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, first published Thursday 6th Nov 1997.

BLACKPOOL Art Society has become something of an old master itself.

For at 113 years old, the amateur society is still presenting work of high quality in its annual exhibition, just opened at the Grundy Art Gallery.

Running until November 14, the show encompasses more than 250 oils, watercolours, miniatures and sculptures, many of professional standard.

Among the most eye-catching is Carole Nuttall's Mont Blanc, an oil painting that overflows its frame in a tumultuous evocation of crags under snow.

But there are plenty of landscapes closer to home, with Fylde or Lakeland scenes depicted with skill and atmosphere, many done on the society's outdoor painting excursions.

Pat Hampton's still life, Black Vase and Grapes, was voted by fellow members the picture of the year and though not for sale, there are many other still lives, flower studies and landscapes that would make unique gifts.

Any of the society's 300 members may submit artworks and the best are selected for the exhibition, which this year is sponsored by Granthams' artists suppliers.

Several members are running workshops for schoolchildren throughout the exhibition.

The society itself is extremely active, organising lectures and demonstrations at its studio, visits to galleries, practical evenings and outdoor excursions.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.

Archive Home