Artists celebrated in centenary of Wolverhampton society
An art group which was the springboard for a sculptor who went on to create famous landmarks in Wolverhampton and London is celebrating its centenary.
The Wolverhampton Society of Artists has embraced painters, sculptors, architects and designers in its 100-year history.
But easily the most celebrated was the sculptor Sir Charles Wheeler who became president of the prestigious Royal Academy of Art, the first sculptor to do so.
The Codsall-born artist created the statue of Lady Wulfrun which stands in the gardens of St Peters Church in the city centre.
He also sculpted the fountains in Trafalgar Square, London, the destination of choice for New Year revellers over the decades.
Born in 1892, the son of a journalist, he and his family moved to Goldthorn Terrace in the city centre where Charles went on to study at the Wolverhampton College of Art, now Wolverhampton University, between 1908 and 1912, before winning a scholarship to the Royal College of Art.
During the First World War, classified as unfit for active service, Wheeler modelled artificial limbs for war amputees.
He came to specialize in portraits and architectural sculpture, exhibiting regularly at the Royal Academy and becoming its president in 1956. A bronze plaque was erected at the cottage in Church Road, Codsall, where he was born, which he came to view in 1960, remarking it felt "a little like a man reading his own obituary."
In celebration of Wheeler and other past members, and to mark its centenary, the Wolverhampton Society of Artists is staging an exhibition of art work next month.
For the first time, the annual show will be made up of work produced solely by its new members who will be on had to discuss their work and techniques with visitors.
Committee member Michele Dornan said: "There will be a varied selection of original artwork and prints on show, some of which will be available to purchase. Several demonstrations by the artists will also be taking place during the event.
"As a society we actively encourage art to be enjoyed by all – you don't have to be a great artist to appreciate art."
The society offers workshops, painting days, life drawing opportunities and critique evenings, with many of its members running their own workshops and classes.
The exhibition will take place at Newhampton Art Centre in Dunkley Street, Wolverhampton from May 11 until May 19. Opening hours on both Saturday and Sunday will be 10am – 5pm, and on weekdays, from 11am – 4pm.
