The Arts Society Dulwich is an affiliate of The Arts Society, a national organisation which encourages arts education and heritage conservation. Formed in 1973 under its previous banner as the Dulwich Decorative and Fine Arts Society (DDFAS), the Society has over 100 members. New members will be most welcome.
The main attraction of membership is the series of ten illustrated lectures held in the sixth form lecture theatre at James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS) on the second Thursday of each month from October to July. Lectures start at 8pm with light refreshments available beforehand. Lectures are usually followed by a lively question and answer session as time allows. Parking is available at the School. The number 37 and 42 buses pass close by.
The 2017-18 season provides a customary wide ranging programme of illustrated lectures. These include: the origins and uses of amber including how fakes may be recognised; the contribution of women artists of the Second World War in documenting a remarkable record of English provincial life in anticipation of possible destruction through enemy bombing; a rare insider’s view of Habitat’s clarion call to colour and design, changing the way we lived then and the way we live now; the truly outstanding examples of Byzantine art as represented in the mosaics in the 5th and 6th century churches of Ravenna; the history of the Royal Academy of Arts including a behind the scenes look at the famous Summer Exhibition which has run since 1769; a juxtaposition of JMW Turner’s paintings with the masterpieces that inspired him, by artists including Claude, Poussin, Rubens, Titian and Van de Velde and his sense of rivalry with his contemporaries, notably John Constable and David Wilkie.
In addition to the annual lecture series, members have access to a range of interesting and rewarding visits and other events. These are often organised on a ‘private visit’ basis outside of normal gallery or other venue opening hours. The first visit for 2017-18 is to the new Postal Museum planned to take place in November. In February there will be a private tour to Somerset House and a trip round the Courtauld. Other visits are being planned to take place later in the year.
Members also have access to the study days, courses and events provided by the Arts Society Greater London. These are usually held in central London and offer an equally broad range of topics.
The Arts Society Dulwich members’ Christmas Dinner will be held on the evening of 15th December 2017. Guests will be welcome.
Individual membership costs £49 per year (just under £5 per lecture!); joint membership is £95 per year. Temporary ‘taster’ memberships are available for a donation of £9 which will be deducted from the cost of subsequent full membership. No need to book, just turn up on the night!
Discounts are available for students and members joining during the year. Membership can also be purchased for friends and family as a gift.
For more information on membership please contact the membership secretary Desrae Trace desraetrace@hotmail.co.uk
For general information email info@ddfas.org.uk or go to www.ddfas.org.uk