WELCOME TO THE ARTS SOCIETY APPLEBY
Welcome to The Arts Society Appleby, where a passion for art meets the charm of our vibrant community. We're delighted to have you here.
Firstly: You don't have to be a member to enjoy our lectures, just come and pay at the door (£9.00) Everyone is welcome and the ground floor of the Market Hall is wheelchair friendly. All our events start at 11 am but be sure to come little earlier to make sure you get a good seat!
Our small but spirited society, nestled amidst the picturesque villages surrounding Appleby-in-Westmorland, is a haven for art enthusiasts like you. Whether you're a seasoned art connoisseur or just beginning your artistic journey, you'll find a welcoming home here.
At The Arts Society Appleby, we believe that art has the power to inspire, educate, and connect people. With around 100 dedicated members, we come together to explore the beauty and wonder of the art world.
We invite you to explore our website, discover our upcoming events, and consider becoming a member of our Arts Society. If you have any questions or would like to know more about membership, don't hesitate to contact Erica on 07729796468 for more information.
Appleby Arts Society has been on a captivating journey through the world of art, offering our members a series of thought-provoking and enjoyable events. Here's a snapshot of our recent events:
Joseph Wright of Derby – Painter of the Industrial Revolution
Lecture given by Scott Anderson to The Arts Society Appleby in Westmorland in May at the Market Hall
Members enjoyed a fascinating and informative lecture from Scott Anderson on Joseph Wright of Derby, one of the most important artists of the Industrial Revolution.
Joseph Wright was born in Derby in 1734, at a time when the Midlands was becoming the centre of new industrial and scientific developments. Surrounded by coal, iron and innovation, Wright captured the excitement of a rapidly changing world through his paintings.
Initially trained in London as a portrait painter, alongside artists such as Joshua Reynolds, Wright returned to Derby as a successful painter of the rising middle classes. However, he wanted to create something more distinctive. Influenced by the dramatic use of light and shade by the Italian artist Caravaggio, and by his connections with members of the influential Lunar Society, Wright developed his celebrated candle-lit scenes.
Scott brought these paintings to life, explaining how Wright combined science, industry and storytelling in works such as A Philosopher Lecturing on an Orrery and An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump. His paintings reflected the curiosity and optimism of the age, showing scientific discovery and industrial achievement in a way that was both dramatic and accessible.
The audience particularly enjoyed learning about Wright’s fascination with science, his links with figures such as Erasmus Darwin and Josiah Wedgwood, and his innovative use of light to create atmosphere and drama. Scott’s engaging presentation gave members a deeper appreciation of an artist who successfully captured the spirit of the Industrial Revolution.
Wright also produced affordable mezzotints of his paintings, allowing a much wider audience to enjoy his work. Today, his paintings can be found in collections around the world, with the largest collection in England at Derby Museum and Art Gallery.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable lecture and a fitting conclusion to our season of talks before the summer break.
The Making of Miss Saigon, 11th February 2026
At the February meeting of The Arts Society Appleby, members enjoyed a fascinating lecture by Jamie Hayes on the creation of the musical Miss Saigon. Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Jamie has worked widely in opera and theatre, including with Glyndebourne and the BBC.
Jamie described how, while working at the Buxton Opera House in the 1980s, he received a call from the renowned producer Cameron Mackintosh inviting him to become Associate Director on a new musical, directed by Nicholas Hytner. Inspired by Madama Butterfly and set during the Vietnam War, the story follows the tragic relationship between an American GI and a young Vietnamese woman.
Using rare film clips from early rehearsals, Jamie showed the creative process behind the production—from the composers developing the score to auditions in Saigon that led to the casting of Lea Salonga in the leading role.
Members particularly enjoyed seeing rehearsal footage of the famous helicopter scene, which required weeks of technical experimentation before it could successfully land on stage. Jamie’s talk offered a lively and insightful look at the teamwork and creativity behind one of the world’s best-known musicals.
Women Artists in Britain, 1520–1920 (11th March 2026)
At the March meeting of The Arts Society Appleby, members welcomed Dr Amy Lim, an art historian and curator specialising in British fine and decorative arts. Her lecture explored the lives and achievements of women artists working in Britain over four centuries, showing how their work reflects the society in which they lived.
Among the earliest artists discussed was Levina Teerlinc (1510–1576), a Flemish miniaturist who worked at the English court during the reigns of Henry VIII through to Elizabeth I. The first British woman to gain recognition as a professional artist was Mary Beale (1633–1699), a successful portrait painter who supported her family through her work.
The lecture also highlighted the achievements of Artemisia Gentileschi, renowned for her powerful historical paintings, and Angelica Kauffman, one of the two female founding members of the Royal Academy of Arts in 1768.
Later artists included Elizabeth Southerden Thompson (Lady Butler), whose painting The Roll Call attracted huge crowds when exhibited in 1874 and was later purchased by Queen Victoria. The lecture concluded with Helen Allingham (1848–1926), celebrated for her much-loved watercolours of English cottages and gardens.
All our lectures last approximately 1 hour.
At The Arts Socierty Appleby, we're passionate about making art accessible and engaging for everyone. Please note, if you need to bring a carer with you then their admission is free of charge. Our recent events have provided enriching experiences for our members and attendees, and we look forward to continuing this artistic journey together. Stay tuned for more intriguing events that celebrate the beauty of creativity and expression.