The Arts Society Wantage is a great group to be a member of if you have an interest in the arts. This could be anything from architecture to history or the creative arts. Although a local group, the Arts Society Wantage is a member of a national association of societies co-ordinated by the leading arts charity ‘The Arts Society’ who bring people together who share a passion for the arts.
Monthly talks are held at The Beacon in Wantage (with the exception of August and December). Lectures start at 10.45am with members and their guests gathering beforehand for coffee from 9.45am until 10.30 am. The talks cover an eclectic range of topics and are given by highly qualified experts in their chosen field, all registered with The Arts Society's central office.
The 22nd of November will see a lecture entitled ‘Banksy: A - Z of a Street Artist’ by Ray Warburton. The Bristol-born street artist emerged in the 1990s when his stencil-based art first emerged on buildings. Banksy is known for his urban interventions which mysteriously appear; they usually demonstrate irreverent wit along with a biting political edge. Over the years he has managed to remain anonymous whilst managing to illicitly hang his own work in the Louvre in Paris and the Museum of Modern Art. He often uses spray paint and stencils in his critiques of consumerism, political authority, terrorism, and the status of art and its display. His street art, installations, and studio-produced works have been shown in Los Angeles, New York, London, Bethlehem, and beyond. His art has been subject to widespread interest on the secondary market and has fetched eight figures at auction.
Ray Warburton’s fascinating lecture will trace the course of his career and describe his major artworks, as well as commenting on his identity.
On 24 January 2025, there is a lecture which will appeal to people with an interest in social history, architecture and horticulture as it is linked to the seasonal suburban resorts like Vauxhall, which provided generations of Londoners with a space to perambulate, flirt, eat and listen to music. ‘Vauxhall Revisited: London’s Pleasure Gardens 1660 – 1877’ by Jonathan Conlin will reveal the story of the Restoration-era Spring Gardens before moving on to Ranelagh and Vauxhall in their Georgian heyday, finishing in the 1870s Cremorne Gardens. Jonathan will explain and illustrate the Pleasure Garden’s multi-sensory appeal whilst showing how they inspired artists such as Hogarth and Whistler and shaped today’s Proms.
As well as being able to listen to fascinating talks on a wide range of subjects, members can also participate in visits and guided tours organised by the Society to museums, galleries and other places of artistic, architectural and historical interest. Details will be posted on the website so keep a look out at theartssocietywantage.org/visits.
Other activities include study days which offer members the opportunity to learn more about a subject in greater detail from an expert in the field. The study days are held at Letcombe Regis Village Hall and an excellent lunch is also provided. Again, information is posted on the Society’s website.
Membership provides great value for money at just £50 per year with membership renewal in July.
To find out more visit theartssocietywantage.org.
