The Oxford Art Society was founded in 1891 with Hubert von Herkomer, RA, as its first president. Herkomer was Slade Professor in Oxford at the time and as well as giving historical lectures he also gave public demonstrations of portrait painting. Edward Burne-Jones was an early member and many well known artists were invited to exhibit and were elected to honorary membership.
The majority of the Society’s members have professional art training and many combine their lives as working artists with teaching or other art related professions. A good number of members exhibit nationally or internationally, as well as locally during Oxfordshire Artweeks.
The Art Society is an umbrella for artists in Oxfordshire with diverse interest and experience, whose variety is part of their strength, and who value the chance to exhibit together.
Membership of the Society
To become a member of the Society you will need to submit work and have it accepted at two of the annual Open Exhibitions. It is then at the discretion of the Committee to invite new artists to become members.