North Bedfordshire Arts Society

in the arts

Edward Bawden & Me Exhibition at The Higgins until 13 October 2024 - read our blog about the exhibition here.

Antony Gormley - Time Horizon Exhibition at Houghton Hall, Norfolk until 31 October 2024. Click here to read our blog of this spectacular outdoor exhibition of Antony Gormley's sculptures.

The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge - Paris 1924: Sport, Art and The Body Exhibition - 19 July to 3 November 2024. Click here to view details of this exhibition linked to the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

Enjoy outstanding lectures and events, and make new friends too! Read more about the advantages of being a member of North Bedfordshire Arts Society. Click here for link to Bedford Clanger article published 29 April 2024.

CONTACT MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE BY CLICKING ON THIS LINK

welcome

Welcome to our website which not only contains information about our Society but also about arts and cultural activities in North Bedfordshire and beyond.

The Arts Society (of which we are one of nearly 400 societies) is an extraordinary organisation, involving tens of thousands of members - both in the UK and internationally - who regularly take part in high quality arts events supported by a large group of expert lecturers and guides.

We meet for lectures at the Addison Centre in Kempston at the times shown in the adjoining panel. We also organise study visits, special interest events and provide arts projects for young people. Let us know how we can develop this site to meet your interests, and if you're not a member come and join us.

for our members

Aug 17

Edward Bawden & Me - 17 February – 13 October 2024 - The Higgins - Free Entry

17 Aug 2024, 11:00 – 17:00

The exhibition is curated by Bawden’s good friend, the illustrator and printmaker Chris Brown who has invited thirty artists and makers to respond to works by Edward Bawden (1903-1989). The result is an eclectic exhibition in celebration of the work of printmaker, illustrator, watercolourist and designer Edward Bawden. For more information click here.

Sept 11

NBAS Visit - Edward Bawden Archive Tour - The Higgins Art Gallery & Museum

11 Sept 2024, 11:00 – 12:30

Victoria Partridge will give a private tour around the large archive of his work at the gallery. Limited spaces. Cost £12 - click here to book.

Sept 17

Edward Bawden & Me - 17 February – 13 October 2024 - The Higgins - Free Entry

17 Sept 2024, 11:00 – 17:00

Sept 24

NBAS Lecture: Julia Musgrave - Cézanne and Van Gogh

24 Sept 2024, 11:00 – 12:00

Death as a career move. The journey from unsold to blockbuster and the importance of the art dealers.

Oct 16

NBAS Special Interest Day (SID) - Sally Dormer: Heaven on Earth

16 Oct 2024, 09:45 – 13:00

St Andrew's Church Hall. 09.45 coffee for 10am start finishing with lunch at 12.30.

Two lectures: The medieval Church and its furnishings. How patrons and craftsmen achieved dazzling effects in Romanesque Europe. Cost £38. Bookings taken at September or by email - click here.

Oct 29

NBAS Lecture: Peter Medhurst - Handel in Georgian England 1711-59

29 Oct 2024, 11:00 – 12:00

An account of Handel’s musical adventures in London. Live performances!

Nov 26

NBAS Lecture: Sarah Ciacci - The Holiday Season

26 Nov 2024, 11:00 – 12:00

Food and feasting in Art. An artistic mid-season celebration that helps spur people on towards Spring

About Us

Please visit our "About" page to find out more about the Arts Society North Bedfordshire. We host a programme of lectures, visits and study events and support the arts in the local area.

Join Us

Membership information is available on our Join page. Find out how to contact our membership secretary and apply to join or renew your membership here.

Links

Look at the links on this page of our website to access a range of galleries, museums, performance venues and other arts organisations that may be of interest.

Young Arts

Please visit this page to find out about the work we do supporting Young Arts projects.

Programme

Please visit this page to to find out more about our current programme of lectures and other events.

Lectures Plus

This page includes materials that will enable you to follow up some of our previous lecture topics.