We are thrilled to present our Programme of talks
2024 New Season (Autumn) Programme of Friends Lectures and Events (subject to change)
Tuesday 8th October- Alison Evans on Dod Procter the famous early twentieth-century English female artist.
Venue St Andrew’s Church Hall, Kimbolton Rd, Bedford, MK40 2PF, 7:30pm.
Generously sponsored by Sarah Flynn
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When Dod Procter's painting 'Morning' was exhibited at the Royal Academy in London in 1922, the sensation it caused made her truly a household name. Christened as Doris Shaw, and part of a nationally-famous artistic power-couple with her husband, the painter Ernest Procter, Dod used her childhood nickname to confound the art world's ingrained chauvinism. Initially trained at Stanhope and Elizabeth Forbes's art school in Newlyn, she remained resident in West Cornwall for the rest of her life, though her travels included time in Burma and the Caribbean. This talk looks at her long career, astonishing oeuvre and significant influence, achievements made all the more remarkable in the context of her time and gender.
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Tuesday 15th October - Boyd and Evans - A Life in Art, a fascinating 60 year story.
Venue St Andrew’s Church Hall, Kimbolton Rd, Bedford, MK40 2PF, 7:30pm.
Tuesday 29th October - Michael Croker Director of Art at Bedford School will paint a portrait of a member of the audience.
Venue St Andrew’s Church Hall, Kimbolton Rd, Bedford, MK40 2PF, 7:30pm.
Tuesday 12th November - Dr Giorgia Bottinelli, Director of the Norwich Castle Museum, on Catherine Maude Nichols (1847-1923), Making her Mark, the gifted and prolific Norwich artist.
Venue St Andrew’s Church Hall, Kimbolton Rd, Bedford, MK40 2PF, 7:30pm.
Wednesday 27th November - LUNCHTIME LECTURE
David Boyd Haycock on, his new book: The Life and Work of Lucy Kemp-Welch, Painter of Horses.
Venue: The Barbican Studio, The Higgins Bedford. 12pm.
Tuesday 10th December - CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
Charlotte White on Casablanca the Best War Movie Ever Made
Venue: St Andrew’s Church Hall, Kimbolton Rd, Bedford, MK40 2PF. 7.30pm
Tuesday 14th January 2025 - Patrick Baty on The Paint Detective
Venue to be confirmed, 7.30pm.
Generously sponsored by W&H Peacock Auctioneers & Valuers
Friday 31st January 2025 - Dr Denis McHugh on Bedford and the Raj
Venue: The Barbican Studio, The Higgins Bedford. 7.30pm.
Tuesday 11th February 2025 - Pamela Birch, County Archivist, on, John Usher, architect of Bedford.
Time and venue to be confirmed.
Tuesday 11th March 2025 - Pamela Birch, County Archivist, on, Sir Albert Richardson
Time and venue to be confirmed.
Tuesday 15th April 2025 - Paul Coldwell on Paula Rego
Time and venue to be confirmed.