Embark on a cultural journey with The Arts Society Cranleigh this winter and usher in the new year with a series of captivating lectures that promise to invigorate the mind and stir the soul. 

While there won’t be a gathering this December, the upcoming months are brimming with opportunities for enrichment and discovery.

The season’s schedule will commence on Wednesday, 24th January 2024, at 2:00 pm with a tribute to the legendary Eric Ravilious. 

Esteemed as the greatest English watercolourist of the 20th Century, Ravilious’s work captures the spirit of the landscape and the charm of the everyday. 

His devotees are drawn to his detailed depictions, ranging from quaint transport modes to his wartime contributions as an Official War Artist. 

Jo Walton will guide attendees through the allure of Ravilious’s art, exploring his unique blend of pastoral fascination and mechanical wonder.

February ushers in a special treat for history and art enthusiasts. 

On Saturday, 3rd February 2024, from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm, Dr Tobias Capwell will grace the stage for a Special Interest Morning. Dr Capwell, a renowned curator of Arms and Armour at the Wallace Collection in London, will deliver two illuminating talks: ‘Radiance: Kings, Queens, and the Art of Armour’ and ‘The Scoliotic Knight: Encounters with Richard III’. 

Notably recognized for his role in the reburial ceremony of King Richard III, Dr Capwell’s insights promise to be as enriching as they are exclusive. 

Tickets, inclusive of refreshments, are available at £17.50, and can be booked by emailing tickets.tasc@gmail.com

On Wednesday, 28th February 2024, at 2:00 pm, Nicole Mezey will present ‘The Corsican Adventurer – Images of Napoleon’. 

Coinciding with the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, this lecture delves into the contrasting depictions of Napoleon Bonaparte by admirers and detractors alike. 

Attendees will explore how art became a battlefield of its own, with images ranging from grandiose to satirical, reflecting the varied perceptions of this enigmatic figure.

All meetings are held at the welcoming Cranleigh Arts Centre, where both members and non-members are invited to immerse themselves in the world of arts. Guests can attend without any obligation, though contributions are always gratefully received. 

For those seeking to engage more deeply with the art community or to secure a spot at these events, please get in touch with enidjonestasc@gmail.com or visit the society’s website at www.theartssocietycranleigh.org.uk.