Arts Club returns to its roots

Otley Grammar School aka Prince Henry's Grammar School circa 1910

So many arts spaces are in modern buildings where the stark lack of features helps to highlight the art.

However sometimes, art can benefit from being situated in an edifice with a bit of history.

One such building is Otley Grammar School, currently the offices of David R. Bamford, Architects.

Luckily for the Arts Club, their appreciation of art has led to an offer
to use the building for the club's latest exhibition.

The Otley Arts Club's inaugural meeting was held on 15 April 1947, at the Mechanics Institute (now the Civic Centre). The members present had no home for the club so they met outside the Black Horse pub in Askwith for a sketching session.

In March 1948 the club moved to the Old Grammar School in Manor Square, but had to find alternative premises when the building became occupied by a crockery shop. The club moved to the Civic Centre and only this year, because of refurbishment to this building, have had to seek alternative accommodation.

The club were looking for a venue to host their exhibition and were overjoyed to hear that Bamford's had offered the use of its former home.

The school (known as Prince Henry's Grammar School) was founded under Royal Charter from King James I in 1607 and is named after his son Henry Frederick Stuart, Prince of Wales.

As the Charter stipulates the name of the school to be Prince Henry's Grammar School, this name was retained despite it becoming an anachronism when the school became a comprehensive. It is now a specialist languages college sited on Farnley Lane in Otley.

Standing just outside the building is a statue of legendary furniture maker,Thomas Chippindale, which was presented to the town by the Sam Chippendale Foundation (no relation to Thomas), an appropriate spot as Thomas went to the school as a boy.

In its time many well known artists have been members, among them J Appleyard, E J Rawlings, Owen Bowen and Nancy Dyson.

The programme of events includes talks and demonstrations by recognised artists and the opportunity to do portraits or life drawings.

Otley Arts Club's annual exhibition runs at The Old Grammar School, Manor Square, Otley from Wednesday 11 November until Wednesday 2 December 2009, weekdays only from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free.

On Monday 30 November, the exhibition will be augmented by a performance from The Courthouse Choir.