Farsley Art club was founded in 1960 when six local artists held meetings in the Fleece Hotel in Farsley and later in Ben Thrippletons’ barbers shop. In 1962 they met at Farsley Liberal club but two years later, on 23.12 1964 the club was given notice to quit as the artists left the room in an untidy state. Therefore, the artists who now numbered around 30 were on the move again. Thanks to Frank Bower, a club member and master at Wesley Street School, the club was given permission to use the art room at the school where he taught. In 1965, the committee made representation to the local council and were offered Westroyd House, and moved in on 25th September of that year. Westroyd was at that time in a very poor state of repair, Memories of these early days remain with our older members to this day, the cleaning and repairing of the building, advertising in the local papers for furniture, the open fires that needing kindling on club nights.
Despite the efforts of local members, time took its toll on Westroyd House and in 2002, a visit from the council resulted in the realisation that at least ¼ of a million pounds would be needed to bring the building up to today’s standards. The money, Leeds Council told us just was not available. So in 2004 Westroyd House was sold and Farsley Art Club has moved to the ambulance station, adjacent to the old building.
Over the years members have exhibited regularly throughout Yorkshire, notably at Cartwright Hall, Leeds City Art Gallery, and The Ferens Art Gallery in Hull. We have a full and wide ranging syllabus including a number of practical painting afternoons and evenings, monthly life drawing evenings, demonstrations of silk painting, portrait work, and much much more. We have regular criticism evenings some of which are with other local clubs, weekend painting workshops and a a regular four-day painting holiday each year. Our own exhibitions are held at club premises each May and November. New members are always welcome, especially beginners, who are given every assistance.