The Easel Club was formed in 1879 by Edmund Watson, who was a professional artist who as a youth went sketching with David Cox and Vincent Barbour producing sketches for the “Graphic Illustrations of Warwickshire” which are now stored in the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. Watson became articled to Barber who founded the Great Charles Street Academy in Birmingham.

Included amongst the eminent founder members was Walter Langley, who was also responsible for starting the Newlyn Art Colony.

The Easel Club was formed as an art fellowship along with the Clarendon Art Fellowship which met in Needless Alley , Birmingham and later at Dale End. The two societies we amalgamated in 1947 , keeping the Easel Club name.

The principles of art fellowship and a serious commitment to highest ideals in art continue to be the driving force.

We meet as a group the 1st Thursday of each month. There is a serious commitment to the highest standards in art. So monthly meetings consist of searching appraisals of members wiork in progress.

We aim to exhibit our work as a group on an annual basis. We have exhibited at various venues in the Midlands including the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists where most of our members are elected members.

The group is limited by constitution to twenty-five members. Although we do have two further Honorary Members.

The artistic merit of past members of the Easel Club is an inspiration to its contemporary members who aspire to uphold the high standards of many of the club’s illustrious and well respected past members. Their inspired foundations are ouyr proud and esteemed inheritance

So artists are only selected when members have either passed on leave of their own accord. Which rarely happens. Members are always aware of artists of the right quality should new members be required. We would normally approach artists of the required standard and integrity to uphold the fellowship of the group.

Artists that exhibit frequently in the Midlands to a high standard would always be in the frame for being approached.

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