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The North of England Art Club History: The Newcastle Society of Artists was first formed in 1835 as
an association of professional artists. Several major North-East painters were
among its members, including J. W. Carmichael, Thomas Miles Richardson (both
senior and junior) and Luke Clennel. The original society lapsed and was
reformed from time to time, but it has had a continuous existence since 1920.
In l927 membership stood at 60, and included E.M.O’R Dickey
who is represented in the permanent collection of the Laing Art Gallery. More recently Laurence Gowing and Roger
de Grey (subsequently President of the Royal Academy) took part in its
exhibitions, which were held in the Laing Art Gallery.
Until the early l970s the Society had a studio in Leazes
Park Road, but when that was given up it lacked a permanent home until l977
when a top floor studio was offered in Bolbec Hall (part of the Newcastle
Literary and Philosophical Society).
The Newcastle Society of Artists declined the offer, but
some members broke away and formed the North of England Art Club. This new club
was led by Mick Mortimer and the late Ross Hickling, both distinguished
artists. The club thrived with help from local businesses, and in l981 achieved
the status of a registered charity with the aim of promoting appreciation of
the visual arts.
The remaining members of the Newcastle Society of Artists
were amalgamated into the North of England Art Club on 12 January l982. The full title, including both names,
was adopted. The Club continued to
attract notable local painters including the late Kirill Sokolov; Malcolm
Yorke, painter and author of biographies of painters; the late Anthony Procter;
Joyce Grey; the illustrator Brian Robson; Richard Flynn; Walter Holmes and the
“larn yerself Geordie” artist Scott Dobson - to name but a few.
The Club has prospered and still has around 60 members and is now located in studios at Newcastle Arts Centre. It has a full programme of artistic
activities, workshops, discussions and exhibitions. The Club welcomes new members.
Current Committee Members 2017 Chair: Wendy Ranadé 
Treasurer: Bruce McNiven Other committee members: Steve Telford, Ian Davison, Daisy Haggerty, Nick Broome and Ian Hancock.
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