Welcome to Wells: Hilliard Society
 | Rosalind Pierson Miniature Landscape |
The Hilliard Society of Miniaturists
ANNUAL EXHIBITION
Town Hall, Market Place, Wells
Saturday 30th May - Sunday 7th June 2009
10am to 5pm Mon-Sat; 10am to 4pm Sun; closes 4pm Sunday
Private View Friday 29th May
Over 500 original fine art miniature paintings sent in by members from all around the
globe - most of which are for sale.
A chance to see some of the best miniature art in the world.
ABOUT THE SOCIETY
The Hilliard Society was formed in 1981/82 by Sue Burton and landscape miniaturist Rosalind Pierson
.jpg ) | Dr and Mrs Zeegen, enamel miniature by Gillie Hoyte Byrom |
The Inaugural Exhibition was held in Burwood Gallery, Union Street, Wells in May 1982. At the time there were only two societies in England for contemporary miniaturists and both were based in London. One was, of course, the Royal Society of Miniature Painters Sculptors and Gravers (RMS). The other was the Society of Miniaturists, now merged with the British Watercolour Society.
Since the new society was to be based in the Southwest it was named after Nicholas Hilliard, one of the first great Miniaturists and a "West Country Lad". He was born in Exeter in 1547, the son of a goldsmith. He went to Europe with the Bodley family (founder of the Bodlian Library at Oxford) and this would have exposed him to the art of illuminating at an early age. He was appointed court portrait miniaturist to Elizabeth I at the age of 23. He died in 1619.
The Society has been established for twenty-five years and has around 200 members drawn from all over Britain and the world. The Annual Exhibition is held annually in Wells. A number of Awards are presented at a special lunch. A Champagne Private View followed by a dinner for members and their guests is held on the Friday before the opening of the Exhibition. Wells is a lovely part of the world to visit and it all combines to make a very enjoyable weekend.
Demonstrations by the members of different techniques of miniature art take place daily during the exhibition. The society is extremely active, promoting every aspect of miniature painting. It is a Charter member of the World Federation of Miniaturists.
The Hilliard Society consists of Friends as well as Artist members. It publishes a very informative newsletter twice a year, giving ample opportunity for exchange of ideas, information on other societies around the world.
The Society welcomes applications for membership from artists and those interested in miniature painting. For more information see www.art-in-miniature.org/hilliard.htm
Enquiries and tickets
The Hilliard Society, Priory Lodge, 7 Priory Road, Wells, Somerset BA5 1SN UK
Tel: 01749-674472
e-mail::hilliardsociety@aol.com
www.art-in-miniature.org
| Contact | Caroline Hayes [webmaster] |
| Address | For information on the society and membership please contact the Hilliard Society Office, details above. |
| caroline.hayes@btconnect.com | |
| website | art-in-miniature.org |