Lecture

The New English Art Club was founded in 1886 as a society to promote the French influence in British art, and as an alternative to the Royal Academy.

Early members include the Glasgow Boys, the Newlyn School and the London Impressionists. The Club has no clubhouse, but holds exhibitions in various galleries.

When originally formed one proposal for its name was ‘The Anglo-French Society’ because most of the founder members looked to Paris rather than to London for their inspiration.John Singer Sargent was a founder member and was responsible for bringing the paintings of Monet and Degas to the NEAC.

The club is still flourishing and after a historical introduction, I look at the paintings of contemporary members of NEAC including Ken Howard RA, Bernard Dunstan RA , Diana Armfield RA, Peter Kuhfeld, Fred Cuming RA, Tom Coates, Richard Pikesley, Peter Brown, Ruth Stage and many others. I show how all their work is based on fine draughtsmanship, observation and sound technique.

I know all these artists personally and have written about all of them in articles and books. This is a lecture which restores your confidence in modern art !