Pontefract Art Club was
founded in early 1978. Alan Bracken, in
business as a commercial artist, Head
of Graphics at Doncaster Institute of
Higher Education and a keen amateur
artist, felt there was a place for an
art club in Pontefract. Encouraged by
full-time artist John Lacoux, then
living in Bretton, Alan set about
canvassing a number of interested
people and arranged a meeting at his
home in Pontefract. As a result
Pontefract Art Club was formed and Alan
appointed Chairman. He was later to
also serve as President and was active
in the Club until his death.
Until permanent premises
were found the Club met frequently for
outdoor painting sessions. The first
Annual Exhibition was held in November
1978 when around 150 paintings were
exhibited. By that time the Club
membership had reached over eighty.
William Selby was President and
subsequently went on to become a
leading professional artist and member
of several national societies.
Permanent premises were
found at The Museum in Salter Row and
the Club continued to meet there
until 2010 when the meeting room became
unavailable. A new venue was found at
Micklegate Methodist Church where the
club meets most Wednesday
evenings.
It has been home to several
artists who have gone on to make their
mark in the art world, Harry Malkin,
David Newbould, William Selby,
William Shone, Ray Oliver and Janet
Golphin (as Vice President of the Royal
Watercolour Society) to name a few.
A history of the Club would
be incomplete without a mention of the
stalwart service given by Audrey Tarpey
(as Chair for many years) and Gordon
Fell who served in various capacities
over many years. Both are sadly missed
by the Club. Our President, David
Newbould, continues to support and
entertain the members and gives freely
of his time and experience. Alan
Bracken's widow, Dorothy, still
supports the club by awarding The Alan
Bracken Trophy each year to the most
improved artist.
Many
members have also exhibited throughout
the years at prestigious exhibitions,
both locally and nationally. The Club
continues to flourish with around 65
members, and a varied programme of
events culminating in the Annual
Exhibition.
