Hesketh Hubbard Art Society

Its sessions offer an opportunity for serious artists to develop their skills and artistic interpretation of the human figure in a stimulating and supportive atmosphere.

There are 44 sessions per year, mostly on Fridays, but also some Mondays. At these two-hour untutored drawing sessions, currently around 70 artists come together to draw from three models: the 'quick' 15 / 30 minute nude poses, the two-hour 'long' nude pose and the two-hour clothed portrait pose.

Should numbers return to previous levels, there will be around 100 artists drawing from four models.

To note: 

• The sessions include a 15 minute break, during which tea and biscuits are served.

• Drawing boards and some easels are provided, but artists must bring their own materials.

• Artists are expected to arrive from 5:30pm to start at 6pm; to help set up their equipment; not to move equipment during the session; to put equipment away and dispose of any rubbish at the end of the session.

• As the sessions feature nude models, they are only suitable for adults.

Membership is £340 a year, for which there are 44 drawing sessions and no cover charge.

Prospective members are invited to attend one session free of charge before deciding if they wish to apply for membership. The Society is currently recruiting members, so do visit and see if you would like to join.

The process:

• Attend one of the classes as a guest of a member or ask to see the President or another Officer.

• Bring along a portfolio of your work for the Officers to view.

• If you enjoy the class, then tell the Officers that you wish to join.

The Hesketh Hubbard Art Society was founded in 1930 by the Royal Society of British Artists as a drawing club and was sponsored by Eric Hesketh Hubbard RBA, who became its first President. Over the years, it developed into a separate art society and was renamed in his honour in 1957. Today the Society has some 120 members.