About Us
The Lawrence Art Society is a community of artists of all standards and mediums. Joining the Lawrence Art Society connects you to like-minded individuals where you can share experiences and continue to grow in your chosen medium. The Society hosts monthly demonstrations, organises regular en plein air outings, an annual Art Exhibition, provides links to other exhibitions in the local area, as well as other art groups. But most of all, it provides a friendly environment for you to share your experiences or continue to grow in your own abilities.
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Sir Thomas Lawrence
The Lawrence Art Society takes its name from Sir Thomas Lawrence, arguably Devizes' most talented artist. He was a child prodigy, who by the age of ten, was well known for drawing and selling pencil profiles of the well-heeled guests at his father's inn, the “Black Bear” in Devizes Market Place - it's now known as “The Bear Hotel”.
In the late 1700s it was a popular coaching stop for society travellers heading for Bath. Thomas was soon earning more than his father, who was a poor businessman, so ultimately the family moved to Bath. Between 1780 and 1786, he painted pastel portraits of the rich and famous visitors, with success that led to him moving to London in 1787.
He was commanded to paint Queen Charlotte (currently in the National Gallery) in 1789 and, together with “Miss Farren” (hanging in the Metropolitan Museum, New York), these portraits suddenly led to him enjoying astonishing success. He was elected an Associate Member of the Royal Academy in 1791 and Royal Academician in 1794.
For the next twenty years, he consolidated this early triumph and by 1810 was acknowledged as the leading portrait painter and to some extent the head of the profession of painting in Britain.
The pinnacle of his career came in 1818 when the Prince Regent sent him to Europe as his envoy, to paint the heads of state and military leaders who had defeated Napoleon. Before departure, he was knighted and on return, he succeeded Benjamin West as President of the Royal Academy. The portraits painted on this tour are now displayed in the Waterloo Chamber of Windsor Castle.
Arthur Wellesley 1st Duke of Wellington (by Thomas Lawrence)
Francis Humberston Mackenzie (by Thomas Lawrence)
Maguerite Countess of Blessington (by Thomas Lawrence)
1953 The Spark of an Idea
Devizes' own art society has its roots in World War II when the local WEA (Workers' Education Association) endeavoured to bring the town a bit of culture in amongst the gloom. By the winter of 1953 they wished to add art to their list of subjects. At about the same time, a school welfare inspector called Will Perkins, who was also a pastel painter, thought it was time Devizes had an Art Society. He wrote a letter to the Gazette and Herald asking for people interested to contact him.
1954-56 First Season Highlights
The inaugural season featured practical drawing sessions, a portrait painting demonstration by David Dunne, and a talk on art history by Guy Barton from Marlborough College. Various slide shows on painting and materials were provided by different artists' colour firms.
1958 Structured Growth
In 1958, as membership continued to grow, membership cards including a programme for the year were first issued, formalizing the Society's operations.
Our History
1954 The Lawrence Society is Born
As a result of Will Perkins' letter, the WEA invited him to an exploratory meeting, together with anyone who had replied to his letter. This led to an exhibition of paintings and craft works in the community centre (a Nissen hut on the Little Green, formerly the "Doughnut Dugout" for American servicemen). The exhibition was a great success, leading those interested in painting to form an Art Society.
An inaugural meeting was called for on 10 May 1954, deciding to call it the Lawrence Society of Art to honour Sir Thomas Lawrence. Mr. East, the proprietor of "The Bear Hotel" (where Sir Thomas famously drew portraits), offered the new society the use of the Lawrence Room for meetings.
1954-56 Growing Pains and New Horizons
Membership increased rapidly, quickly outgrowing the Lawrence Room. A bigger room in "The Bear" known as the "Studio" became available, allowing members to permanently display work. Mr. Bruno Carter, the manager of Lloyds Bank, became treasurer.
By 1956, arrangements were made to permanently display members' work in the small public library on St. Johns Street. Though not ideally displayed above bookshelves, it made the Society's existence obvious to the public. This continued until the library moved to Sheep Street and later, the space was taken over for computers.
1969 Adapting to Growth: Venue Evolution
In 1969, monthly meetings moved to the larger Library lecture room, and subsequently to the Cheese Hall in the Town Hall due to increasing numbers. For a period, the annual exhibition was held upstairs in the Assembly Room, then briefly at the Corn Exchange, and more recently back in the Assembly Room.
1954-56 Early Years
Will Perkins became the first chairman, Miss Winifred Guy (senior mistress at the Grammar School) was elected secretary, and Mr. David Dunne (Head of Art at the Grammar School) became the first committee member. The first exhibition was planned for July in the "Bear" ballroom. Monthly meetings began that September, with an annual subscription set at 15/- (75p today).
1956-58 BBC Recognition
Publicity received a significant boost when a BBC recording team visited on exhibition hanging day. The subsequent broadcast on "The Week in the West" generated considerable interest, drawing crowds to the exhibition. The local Army Education Unit also took a group membership to encourage recruits under training to exhibit.
2005 Modernisation: Grants and Tech
In 2005, a grant from the Samuel Farmer Trust enabled the purchase of lighting, significantly improving the display of pictures at exhibitions. In 2008, a further grant from Kennet District Council was obtained and used to acquire a video camera, a projector, and a laptop computer. These tools have been instrumental ever since in enhancing the visibility of demonstrations, delivering talks, and for various instructional purposes.