Bromley Art Society Bringing Artists Together since 1947

During the design period for the new library and theatre Bromley councillors were repeatedly lobbied by the local art community for good exhibition places to be provided in both the theatre and library. Plans were shown and assurances given that there would be “plenty of space”. In the case of the theatre the actual provision was disappointing although one exhibition was granted in part of the foyer in early days. In the new library the provision for art was better. The main annual BAS exhibitions were held in the splendid public rooms on the fourth floor for many years during the 1980s. These shows being open but subject to selection, were of high quality and usually included works by students of the fine art department of the Ravensbourne College of Art. There was, however, one obvious downside to the venue. It relied on the public having to deliberately find the lift and take it to the fourth floor if it was to be seen. Only the determined attempted this. Whilst this was undoubtably the most pleasant and spacious room used for BAS exhibitions - before or since - this barrier to easy public access together with repeated rent increases, meant that its use could not be sustained for more than a few years. We are left with what is acknowledged to be the best remaining local exhibition venue which is the first floor space in the central library. This was used first in 1993 and and proved to be one of our most successful exhibitions with the sale of over sixty works.

The hunt for good affordable venues continues. In the 1980s attempts were made to hold exhibitions out of doors - on one occasion in the Library Gardens and another in the approach to the Mall shopping area - neither was a great success. Other small shows tried in Building Society and Bank premises were patchy. In 1987 a group of members showed work as part of the Mayor’s garden party held in the grounds of the Civic Centre. Also that year a successful exhibition was held at Ripley Arts Centre. In those days at least two local press reporters could be expected to attend previews with their photographers and sales were brisk; sadly this is no longer the case and, depending on the venue, previews are less usual. Ripley remains pleasant but is remote from the town centre and has restrictions on access - perhaps it has some improved future promise following recent refurbishment. St George’s Church, Beckenham and its church hall have provided space for a society exhibition for the last few years.

Meanwhile the monthly meetings at which talks by visiting artists or art historians would be given or practical demonstrations watched and discussed formed the backbone activity of the society. These were mainly held in the first rebuild of the United Reform Church in Widmore Road and later and up to the present time in the second rebuild which took place to enable the Glades Shopping Centre to be built. The society suffered a great loss in 1987 when the exhibition organiser, Jim Ratigan, died suddenly.

Only a year or two earlier he had been responsible for the design and construction of the economical first set of exhibition screens owned by BAS; Jim was given enormous support by Norman Verrells who was always on hand when later it came to their storage, transport and erection. These screens did good service for a number of years before being replaced by the current set.

It was also in 1987 when Meryl Stringell became chairman on the death of her predecessor Stanley Buckley.

After Jean Gow retired in 1985, Gerald Lewis had taken over as secretary and produced an interesting newsletter until he retired in 2001 when Brenda Jackson effectively filled the post and George Duthy became chairman until he retired in 2001. Previously George had been treasurer for many years. Brenda not only acted as secretary but also arranged visiting speakers and demonstrators. Penny Steyning was treasurer and organiser of sketching outings up to 2001 when she temporarily took over the chairmanship until the AGM of 2002. Roy Stringer was then elected chairman, a post he held until retiring at the AGM in 2005 .

No account of BAS would be complete without a mention of Roy Dean who served the society for many years as publicity officer. He was also pivotal in organising a memorable garden party in his garden in 1997 when members had the opportunity to meet and sketch on a sunny afternoon.

In recent years we have had an active committee organising at least two exhibitions a year - usually in St George Beckenham and Bromley Central Library - plus one or two “One Day Sales” in the United Reform Church or in the hall attached to St Peter & St Paul Church, Bromley. The traditional monthly meetings continue at the Verral Hall with a series of visiting speakers and artist demonstrators and in addition weekly workshops have been introduced at Ripley Arts Centre where a group of members have the opportunity to meet, paint and exhibit together.

There have been two other developments of recent years; firstly there is the very much improved newsletter - The EASEL - edited and produced by Michael Blackwell and secondly, the new display screens now owned by the society. Not only are these screens a boon to the society when exhibiting in venues away from the library, but also a source of income from other local groups and individuals who are happy to hire them. The society owes much to Peter Dinsmore for the enormous amount of extra work involved, not only for organising their purchase, but for continuing storage, moving and hiring out of these screens.

PT

Acknowledgements

In the absence of any surviving records of the early years of the society and sparse ones of the middle period, the above has been prepared by Pat Tucker from her personal memories and those of other long-standing members. In particular she acknowledges the great help received from Keith Coleborn who was one of those responsible for its foundation. She has also had help from Peter Wait. Pat is aware that the society has survived due to dedicated work of many more past members.