In 1960 a small group of leisure time artists in Walton on Thames decided to form an art club. They had originally met at local evening art classes and wanted to keep together throughout the summer months. They persuaded their winter’s tutor, Montague Webb to take over and become the Club’s President.

The club was essentially a working club meeting each Wednesday evening at Ambleside Middle School throughout the year for painting, monthly lectures, demonstrations and criticisms by established visiting professional painters and by club members.

By 1975 the membership had increased to more than 140 and meetings were being held at the Rydens School in Hersham Road. Pamela Davis had now taken over as President, and still remains a member to this day. Other notable members in these earlier times included John Brangwyn, who was the nephew of Sir Frank Brangwyn R. A., Sidney Foley, a member of the Wapping Group, the late Tom Rowney  of Daler-Rowney was a Hon. Member and donated the Rowney Cup,& Rowney Pallette. The late John Markham, who worked in his early days along side the famous cartoonist Giles of the Daily Express, painted many local watercolour scenes which were always sort after at the Club’s annual exhibition.

The Art Club has come a long way in the past forty odd years and is now held every Wednesday evening from the beginning of Sept to the end of May at The Elm Grove Hall in Walton. The present chairperson is Raymond Kay who is able supported by his team of David Pow (Programme Sec) Stan Mansfield, Joy Martin as Membership Sec. and Club Sec. and Mike Beaty-Pownall as Treasurer. There are still professional artists attached to the club including Jill Bay’s, who has written a number of books and teaches  through The Society of Amateur Artists, she is well known for her flower paintings and writes regularly for Leisure Painter, and appeared on demonstration videos. Freda Anderson another well known artist has appeared on television painting beautiful watercolour portraits.

 The club also receives tremendous support from The Riverhouse Barn, where  they hold their annual exhibition, The Rosebriars Trust and The Charity of Robert Phillips who both help with the promoting of local artists of all descriptions.

1974: on the left the late Jean Perrin who was the Secretary of the club and Pamela Davis is on the right

Pam Davis is still a thriving member and exhibits regularly each year. [Dave Pow 12.8.07]