LAWRENCE ART SOCIETY

ABOUT US

The Lawrence Art Society is a community of artists of all levels 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, weekly and monthly social painting get-togethers, an annual Art Exhibition, and provides links to other exhibitions in the local area, as well as other art groups. But most of all, it provides a friendly environment where you can share your experiences or continue to grow in your abilities.

Sir Thomas Lawrence

FROM

THE START

The society takes its name from Sir Thomas Lawrence, arguably Devizes' most talented artist.


Thomas 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, known now as The Bear Hotel.

In the late 1700s The Black Bear was a popular coaching stop for society travellers heading for Bath. Thomas soon earned more than his father, a poor businessman, so the family ultimately moved to Bath. Between 1780 and 1786, he painted pastel portraits of the rich and famous visitors, with success that led him to move to London in 1787.


Thomas was commissioned 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 his astonishing success. He was elected an Associate Member of the Royal Academy in 1791 and Royal Academician in 1794.


For the next twenty years, Thomas 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.

OUR

TIMELINE

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.

OUR

VENUES

  • Annual Exhibition venue

    The Church of St Mary the Virgin, Park Street, Devizes, dates from the Norman times and is one of the most important buildings in the town, with the church tower a particular landmark. The building is listed at Grade I, placing it among the top 2.5% of listed buildings in the country. 


    The St. Mary Devizes Trust is working hard to turn this wonderful building into an arts and community space that will serve as a hub for future generations. This innovative and exciting project will breathe new life into the 12th century building, making it a well-used, dynamic environment that will encourage and support a wide variety of activities, including the Lawrence Art Society's 2026 Art Exhibition.


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  • Social painting get-togethers

    Members of the Society to meet at Urchfont Village Hall for a painting, sketching and crafting get-together.


    Urchfont Village Hall

    Church Lane 

    Urchfont

    SN10 4QT


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  • Tuesday Art Group venue

    The Society’s art group meets in the Market Lavington Community Hall every Tuesday morning. The aim of the group is to improve and share skills and techniques through social painting; bespoke classes may be run by attending members or through external engagement with local artists.


    The classes run from 9.30 am - 12.45 pm.


    Market Lavington Community Hall

    St Mary's Rd

    Market Lavington

    Devizes SN10 4DG



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  • Demonstration venue

    Lawrence Art Society Art Demonstrations  are held in the Devizes and District Conservative Club, 


    Wilsford House

    30 Long Street

    Devizes SN10 1NW


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  • Plein air locations


    Plein Air pairing outings are outdoor painting events where artists gather to create works directly in nature, capturing the beauty of the landscape in real-time. These outings typically emphasize collaboration and inspiration among artists, providing an opportunity for them to engage with their surroundings while sharing techniques and ideas.


    The Lawrence Art Society organises various Plein Air outings at different locations throughout the year, allowing members to explore diverse settings and experience the nuances of changing seasons. These events foster a sense of community and enhance artistic skills in an inspiring environment. Join the society to discover new locations and connect with fellow artists.

    PLEIN ART EVENTS