| Status: | Active, open to new members |
| Coordinator: | |
| When: | Monthly on Fridays 11:00 am-12:30 pm 3rd Friday |
| Venue: | The Reading Room |
News
FRIDAY 22 JANUARY 2027
(Doors open: 16:30 Film: 17:00-18:30)
Running time about 90 minutes
SCOUT HUT
This documentary explores the life and legacy of the long undervalued British artist Eric Ravilious. Using his letters, diaries and archive material, the film traces his distinctive watercolours, engravings and wartime paintings, revealing how he captured English landscapes and military scenes with serene, unsettling clarity. It follows his commission as an Official War Artist during WWII and the tragic 1942 Iceland air‑sea rescue mission in which he died. Featuring insights from Ai Weiwei, Alan Bennett and Grayson Perry,
£3.00 cash on the door to include refreshments
Booking chair1chinnoru3a@gmail.com by 14 December 2026
We have had a number of conversations with people but, as yet, nobody coming forward actually volunteering to take over from Rob as Joint Coordinator of our great Art History group from next February. The general feedback is that the role could well be shared by two people (alongside Sian) but no actual offers … February may sound a long way off but a decent hand-over period would be preferable and although the meetings programme/presentations will have already been arranged by Rob (and Sian) as far ahead as mid-2027, meeting arrangements beyond that point in time will need to be firmed up from at least the last quarter of this year, by the new ’team’ responsible. Look forward to hearing from anyone.
MONTHLY MEETINGS: Meetings are held on the 3rd Friday of the month at 11.00 am in the Reading Room, Chinnor High Street. OX39 4DH
Co-ordinators: Rob Holdaway and Sian Stevens
The Art History Group focuses on the stories behind interesting works of art, both the famous and the more obscure, and the ‘artists’ who created them through the centuries. As such it can be a fascinating mixture of historical context, real life human stories, admirable talent and ‘art appreciation’. We share these stories mainly through presentations by group members, although there is no obligation on every single member to prepare a presentation.
The subjects covered range far and wide and are not limited to fine art, that is painting and sculpture, but can cover the history of crafts such as pottery and embroidery and even archaeology. In addition, a summer art history related outing and a New Year's lunch at a local pub will be organised when possible. There are occasional talks by invited guest speakers.
If you wish to join the group or would like to know more, please contact Rob via the link at the top of this page.