Bromsgrove Arts Society folds after 70 years

Last week (July 20) Bromsgrove Arts Society held its last ever meeting and received its final demonstration by local artist Richard Crabtree.

The society, like many other art organisations, has struggled to find people who are willing to take up the positions in the management team such as chair, secretary and treasurer.

The resigning chairman Anthony Turpin explained to members that without new people coming forward this would be the last meeting.

Artist Richard Crabtree,

Bromsgrove Art Society held monthly art demonstrations at Burcot Village Hall with many members also attending Avoncroft Arts Society where demonstrations and classes are held more regularly.

Joyce Crabtree, member of Avoncroft Arts Society, said it’s such a shame to see Bromsgrove Art Society fold.

She said: “Anthony has run an art exhibition every year in Bromsgrove, and he has really given a lot to the town.

“Following the Covid pandemic we have now seen The Birmingham Watercolour Society, Redditch Arts Society and now Bromsgrove Arts Society close and this is being reflected around the country.

Richard Crabtree's painting of The Queen's Head in Stoke Pound.

“People are having to work later on in life and fewer people are willing to take over the reins in the groups.

“Although members continued with their art throughout Covid with online classes and demonstrations the consensus was that they missed the social aspect and interaction with not only the Tutor/Demonstrator but also other members. “

Joyce added: “Avoncroft Arts Society, where Richard Crabtree Teaches, have managed to come through this with members back attending in-person classes and are still encouraging people to join classes in September when the new term starts.

“Hopefully in the future maybe the monthly live demonstrations can be resurrected using Avoncroft’s' main hall, an ideal venue.”