Discussion Group

While our main programme does include opportunities to ask questions of our speakers and guides, some of our members wanted more! So in 2014 we set up an opportunity for members to meet together to discuss the art works which were of particular interest to them. Sometimes the works relate to the main WAHG programme but more often they reflect the personal interests of the group members. In fact, the group runs rather like a Book Group, with a different lead member each time. We meet once a month on Thursday afternoon for about an hour and a half. We each contribute £10 per season for the hire of our meeting place – a room in St Peter’s Pastoral Centre, opposite the library – and we each commit to leading a session over the year. This means there is work involved but it relates to an artist for whom we have an enthusiasm or want to know more about.
The topics we have discussed show that group members have a wide range of interests, ranging from Holbein to Grayson Perry. While the session leader will start us off with some background information, the discussions which are sparked from that can be wide-ranging. The value of the group is that we look at art works from our different personal perspectives and, by contributing our reactions, learn from each other. Over time, we have found out about some less well known artists and artworks too which has encouraged us to explore art in a more open minded way. We usually leave the group feeling enthused about the art we have studied and keen to search it out.

What members say about the group:

“small friendly group”
“opportunity to get to know members better”
“stimulated by the actual engagement needed for my research or that other members”

Recent and forthcoming topics:

Quentin Blake
Edward Ardizzone
Graffiti – modern and medieval

We are always happy to welcome new members to the original group and if there is sufficient interest, we can establish a second group who could then decide their preferred timetable and topics.

Want to know more? Contact discussion-group@wahg.org.uk