Art group stages annual exhibition at Bowlees Visitor Centre

THE annual exhibition of the Barnard Castle and Teesdale Art Society is currently being hosted by the Bowlees Visitor Centre. It’s open daily from 10.30am to 4pm.
The society  has an illustrious (and illustrated)  history, going  back to its  formation at a public meeting in December, 1951. 
Since then, the society’s activities have been chronicled in the Mercury, with regular reports from the secretaries, as well as adverts for forthcoming attractions sponsored by the group.
Its history is being researched by a member, Christine Hartas, who reports that the task is  being hugely facilitated by the Mercury’s splendid online archive.
In the early days, the prime mover was Douglas Pittuck, accomplished artist and art master at Barnard Castle School. The first president was Major HE Morritt, a painter of some enthusiasm.
The first meetings were held in the rehearsal room of the Dramatic and Operatic Society, in Hall Street.
Then they moved to the upper room in the Market Cross, then to The Witham before and after its refurbishment.
The art society now meets in the Guide Hall, Birch Road, still hosting a weekly programme of practical art sessions, gallery visits and outdoor sketching. New members are welcome.
To complete the history, it is hoped that people who were members in former years, or who perhaps had older relatives who were involved, can share their memories.
Contact christinehartas@ ymail.com or call 07923 558031