At a Special Viewing  in the Modern British Art Gallery members will be able to see new works recently purchased plus several conserved paintings which previously have languished in the store for many years, fully or part-funded bt The Friends.    Julie Finch, Head of  Bristol’s Museums and Archives, and other specially invited guests will be in attendance, and after the viewing refreshments will be available in the Rear Hall of the Museum.

Members will last week have received an Invitation to this event and any who have not yet responded to the RSVP should do so as soon as possible please.

(This item updated 25 November 2010)

Tomorrow:  the annual Summer Lecture/Lunch at Trinity College.   At 12 noon Dr Kathryn Ferry will talk to us about “Beach Huts and Bathing machines” followed by lunch at 1.00pm.

(this item updated 18 July 2011)

One of our favourite lecturers, Linda Smith is back,  this time with a watery theme: “Keeping it Clean: Bathers in Art”.

Linda is a well qualified Art Historian with a special interest in British Art and Art of the 20th century.  She is a lecturer for Tate Britain and Tate Modern as well as for NADFAS.

Important!  This lecture will start at 6.00pm – please be early, it will be a very popular event.

(This item added 22 October 2010)

Dr Esme Whittaker, Curatorial Assistant V&A since 2008 will talk to us tonight on “Aestheticism: Beauty in Art & Design 1860 – 1900″

A day excursion to the V&A to see this exhibition will take place on Sunday 17 April (see the entry below).

(This item updated 10 January 2011)

This year’s Summer 3-course Dinner will be held in the Bordeaux Quay Restaurant, Canons Way, Bristol. This has stunning views of the harbourside and across to M Shed!  It will be a special evening for members not least because we have been given the very rare concession of having the whole restaurant to ourselves.  (The restaurant in on the first floor, but there is a lift).

There are still a few places available for this event, and a second booking form was included with the May Bulletin.

(This item updated 21 May 2011)

The 2011 Spring Luncheon will be held at 12 noon for12.30pm at King’s Weston House, the privately owned Grade 1 Listed Georgian House set in 28 acres of Parkland on the outskirts of Bristol.  After lunch, committee member Toby Pinn will present and describe items he will bring from Clevedon Salerooms.  There are some superb paintings in the Gallery at King’s Weston House which members can also see.

A booking form was included with the November Bulletin.  There are still a few places available,  complete and send your booking form to Carol Lear as soon as possible now please.

(This item updated on 13 January 2011)

This is the rearranged excursion following the cancellation of the original one planned for 13 September 2010.  All members who were going on the latter have been contacted. 

This excursion is full.

(Last updated 20 October 2010)

PAUL GAUGUIN:  Maker of Myth

This is the first important Gauguin exhibition in Britain for 50 years.   It features paintings and drawings of this master French Post-Impressionist from around the world.   His sumptuous, colourful images of women in Tahiti and beautiful landscape paintings of Brittany are some of the most popular icons in Modern art.

This exhibition explores the role of the myths around the man – Gauguin as storyteller, painting himself as a Christ-like figure or even a demon in his own paintings, religious and mythical symbols in his work, and the manipulation of his own artistic identity.

There are just 4 places left for this excursion.  Hurry,  phone Margaret on 01454413578 if you want a place.

(This item updated on 20 October 2010)

Tonight’s lecture will be given by Al Johnson from Tate Modern.   Al is a sculptor and printmaker with work held on both private and public collections.  She also leads workshops and lectures in major museums includng the National Gallery, V&A and British Museum.

There will be an excursion to Tate Modern in two days’ time to the  Gauguin exhibition (see next entry)

Late news!  Unfortunately tonight’s lecturer, Al Johnson,  has had an accident and damaged her pelvis. She is finding a replacement speaker for us. (To be updated when further news is known).

(This item updated 12 October 2010)