Culture

Bridport Art Society has launched a dynamic programme of illustrated monthly talks given by nationally acclaimed experts for the new season from September. From an introduction to Art Nouveau Glass to master masonry, architecture and from art in garden-making, there is a heady and delicious array of talks spanning many genres of art. And throughout the year the committee will be organising outings and exhibitions. Bridport Art Society was formed in the early 1990s as The West Dorset Decorative and Fine Art Society which was part of the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS). Several years ago there was a national rebranding, and the group was renamed Bridport Art Society. The society is run by a small group of happy volunteers and meet at Bridport Town Hall on the third Thursday of the month at 2pm from September until June. New members are always welcome and the society offers people the chance to make new friends. To join the society the cost is £50 for an individual and £85 for a joint membership. Visitors are welcome at £7.50 per session. For more information go to taswestdorset.org.uk or email info@taswestdorset. org.uk

September 15 Frozen Breath of the Polar Night: An

THINGS OF BEAUTY: Emile Gallé’s Marguerite Vase from 1896 and, right, Louis Comfort’s Tiffany Peacock Vase from 1893-6 (Metropolitan Museum, New York) Art of glass set to feature in society’s monthly talks

introduction to Art Nouveau Glass Speaker: Justine Hopkins The 19th century saw the beginnings of the shift of glass-working from craft to art, and Art Nouveau glass remains some of the most spectacular ever produced. This lecture explores the achievement of Émile Gallé, Louis Comfort Tiffany and René Lalique, and their outstanding contribution to one of the most important movements of the last century.

October 20 A Sleuth’s Guide to Architecture: The Story of an Elizabethan Master Mason in the West Country. Speaker: John Davies 16th century masons were the forerunners of architects of today. Names of the vast majority have been lost, but their legacy remains in their buildings. This talk traces the work of one Master Mason, William Arnold, responsible for the building of Montacute and Cranborne Manor, sharing many design features that appear other houses built in the West Country during the same period.

November 17 Sadlers Wells – The Theatrical Mothership Speaker: Nigel Bates For more than three centuries Sadler’s Wells has been a place of entertainment and a part of London’s theatrical history with a reputation known across the world. We follow the unique story of The Wells which includes pony racing, naval warfare, Shakespeare with Sir John Gielgud as well as the strongest connections with the worlds of opera and dance and the roots of today’s Royal Ballet companies.

December 15 Lucien Freud: The Art of the Man Speaker: John Iddon Possibly the greatest figure painter of the second half of the 20th century, Lucian Freud also led an extraordinary life, from his family’s escape from the Hitler regime in the 1930s to his colourful and combative life in London. This talk will look at his unforgettable paintings, many of which have a penetrative scrutiny that is almost the visual equivalent of his grandfather Sigmund’s analysis of patients, as well as his relations with his models and fellow artists.

Lucky Pigeon show a bit of a coup for county

ROLL UP: The Brainfools circus company have a series of shows in Dorset in August

The Brainfools circus company will swoop into Dorset this summer to perform their show Lucky Pigeons. Described as a ‘wonderfully wacky new show that is both entertaining and enthralling’ Brainfools will perform Lucky Pigeons twice in the open-air for Dorset’s Artsreach in August. Lucky Pigeons revolves a young businessman who loses his job and takes his frustrations out on a group of pigeons, only to later be turned into a pigeon himself. Brainfools will perform at Litton Cheney Hall Field at 6pm on Saturday, August 13. They will also perform at Stalbridge Village Hall Grounds at 2pm on Sunday, August 14. Tickets are available online at artsreach.co.uk

Art club’s exhibition makes comeback after three years

Sherborne Art Club’s Open Art Exhibition is returning after a three-year gap from July 23-31. First held in 1931, this popular, highly regarded annual fine art exhibition last took place in 2018. Its return is hugely welcomed by the regional art community and the artloving public. It returns with support from Sherborne Arts and generous sponsorship –overall from local solicitors Mogers Drewett with further prizes and support from several other local businesses. This has become known as one of the finest open exhibitions in the region, with work by both professional and amateur regional artists attracting visitors from far afield. Up to 400 works, both 2D and 3D, will be on display and with prices set over a large range and hidden bargains in the folio browsers, there is something for all buyers. Admission is free. The exhibition is open to all artists, with selection by a judging panel. Entries can be submitted right up to the morning of July 16. Full details for visitors and for entry are at sherbornearts.org/sherbor ne-open-art-exhibition, or contact sherborneopen @sherbornearts.org

Be on song with Local Vocals

Do you love singing? If so, you are being invited to join your nearest Local Vocals group. There are five groups at Sherborne, Dorchester, Purbeck, Bridport and Wimborne. Ros Kanter of Sherborne’s Local Vocals group said: “Our leader Lesley Whatley, is very experienced and makes the sessions fun and the songs achievable through her method of teaching. For further details, email lesley@whatfish.plus.com