A HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT ART CLUB
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 has continued to meet there
ever since. It has been home to several
artists who have gone on to make their
mark in the art world, namely Harry
Malkin, David Newbould, William Selby,
William Shone, Ray Oliver and Janet
Golphin (Vice President of the Royal
Watercolour Society).
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 the 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.
Many members have also
exhibited throughout the years at
prestigious exhibitions, both locally
and nationally. The Club continues to
flourish with around 75 members, and a
varied programme of events culminating
in the Annual Exhibition in November
