History

Doris Blacker a founder member of the art society Lancaster and District Art Society has been in existence for more than 60-years and has a distinguished history helping artists, both experienced and novice, to enjoy everything there is to enjoy about painting and drawing.

It was at a meeting in the old Empire Café in the centre of Lancaster, that the art society - originally known as the Lancaster and District Sketch Club - was actually formed.

It was the brain child of Dorothy Lawson, a well known local painter, and it was through her inspiration and leadership that the society developed to become one of the most successful in the region.

At the start, the club was based at the Storey Institute, home of the local art school, and staff and students were very much involved. In 1947, the club held its first exhibition in the Storey Gallery. It was an open exhibition and attracted both amateur and professionals with 195 paintings and four sculptures going on show. That was the start of a long and happy association with the Storey Institute until recent years.

Over the years a number of celebrated artists have been associated with the society including the likes of S J 'Lamorna' Birch RA, Walter Bayes RWS, and William Hoggatt RA. Today the society has more than 83 members, enjoying a varied programme of activities.

The image above shows a watercolour by Doris Blacker who was a founder member of the art society.