A Moment in Time

Thornbury Artists was established in 1965 after several local
painters met at an art class held above the old cinema in the High
Street. Needing a venue where they could paint together the newly formed
Chantry Community Association with rooms for hire filled the bill.
Before long a dilapidated farm building in the grounds came to the
attention of founder members Leon Blunos, Dave Hague and Jack Puddifoot.
Permission was granted to convert it into a usable space and 'The
Studio' was created. The artists met once a week on Wednesday evenings
and members could use the facilities at any time. As the now 'Thornbury
Art Club' expanded, larger premises were required and the Old Bakery
Annexe became the workspace for four Studio Groups. Increased membership
meant that accredited artists could be invited to demonstrate at monthly
Club Nights held at the Cossham Hall next door. When the Old Bakery
Annexe became untenable the Studio Groups moved to St. Mary's Hall and
Turnberries. After Covid happened and the Cossham Hall closed, Club
Nights moved to St. Mary's too.

As a Club we have celebrated many anniversaries, our 60th being in 2025.
We have staged annual Club exhibitions and contributed to the Arts
Festival, Carnival and countless local activities in many ways.
Collaboration with the Writers' Circle resulted in  an illustrated
anthology and the Club published a 50th Anniversary book of members'
paintings in 2015. Many members take part in the Severn Vale Art Trail,
hold their own exhibitions or feature in prestigious exhibitions locally
or further afield.