A brief history of Sutton Coldfield Artists Society
(taken from the Society’s 50th Anniversary booklet)
The Early Years
On 22nd November 1947, 19 people met in response to a proposal by Miss Ada Wilkinson to form an Art Society in Sutton Coldfield.
They decided on its name (Sutton Coldfield Artists Society ), its subscription ( 5 shillings), its object (to encourage painting as a recreation). They chose officers and decided to hold fortnightly meetings in the old library on the Parade, now demolished.
From the beginning, they were ambitious and forward looking. By December 6th it was decided that newcomers were required to submit three pictures to a selection committee before becoming members, and that there should be a student membership for persons aged 16 ~ 21 at half the annual subscription. Two exhibitions were planned for each year.
In 1948, although enthusiasm still ran high, it became obvious that the committee’s planning had been a little too optimistic. Meetings became monthly and only one exhibition was held that first year. The finances showed a loss of £2.19s.6d. and after 12 months the subscription rose to 12s.6d.
However, members then numbered 41. The constitution had been tested and confirmed. The society had its own letter heading, and the school of art was co~operating by allowing us rooms in which to paint on Saturdays. Many of the meetings took the form of Home Study Criticisms, sometimes on set subjects or in limited colour schemes. For the November meeting a model sat at the School of Art and was drawn by 15 members.
A Christmas social was held which then became a yearly event.
By the end of 1949, with a membership of 50, the finances were £20.11s.5d. in the black and the Society was on a firm footing; with helpful connections with the Borough Library, the School of Art and other Art Societys, such as Lichfield, Walsall, Tamworth and the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists. It was established that the Mayor of Sutton Coldfield should open our exhibitions.
In the early years our own members gave demonstrations and talks on a wide range of subjects and criticisms. Mr. Holman, himself an architect, instructed us in the elements of good building design and on another occasion gave an illustrated talk on etching and dry point. Mr Ken Troman demonstrated the art of making a pot and afterwards, in attempting to show us some of the snags, he had to work hard throwing water over his pot in order to make it collapse. ” I thought it never would ” , he said. Most practical work was done at home and though the numbers grew steadily, attendances at meetings became poor and reached an all time low when Mr.Kingsley Read gave a talk on stage design to three people. The main interest was in the production of fine art and soon practical events became the order of the day, made possible by the use of painting rooms at the School of Art.
By 1953, the committee including its officers, consisted of 18 people, so it was natural that almost anyone attending meetings should be voted onto it. Despite this, attendance increased. This just might have been helped by the introduction of a mid~session cup of tea.
That winter Miss Wilkinson died and a memorial prize ( originally 2gns. ~ £2.2s.0d. ) has been awarded for the best picture in the Autumn Exhibition ever since.
Presidents of Sutton Coldfield Society of Artists
| 1947 to 1949 | Mr E. Holman FRIBA |
| 1950 | Mr. S. Rix |
| 1951 to 1955 | Mr. K. Troman |
| 1956 to 1957 | Mrs. M. Oliver ARCA |
| 1958 to 1964 | Mrs. R. Pollack |
| 1965 to 1969 | Mr. L. Howles |
| 1970 to 1974 | Mr. J. Ridout |
| 1975 to 1977 | Mr. GA. Pursall |
| 1978 to 1982 | Mr. E.C. Horton |
| 1983 to 1985 | Mrs. J. Cottrell |
| 1986 to 1991 | Mr. R Burrel |
| 1992 to 1993 | Mrs. D. Harrison |
| 1994 to 1995 | Mrs. G. Barrington |
| 1996 to 1998 | Mrs. D. Harrison |
| 1999 to 2001 | Mrs. Rhoda Wortley |
| 2002 | Mr. John Wood |
| 2003 to 2006 | Mrs. Sylvia Hepburn |
| 2006 to 2022 | Mr. Geoff Stubbins |
| 2022 to 2023 | Dr. Rachel David & Ms. Kathryn Sawbridge |
| 2023 to present | Mrs. Deborah Hodgson |