Oxford Art Society

The Society was formed in 1891 at the instigation of Walter Tyrwhitt who remarked on the need for a society to encourage art in the city of Oxford and the University. The first President, Hubert von Herkomer succeeded John Ruskin as the Slade Professor of Fine Art in the 'City of Dreaming Spires'. The Society held annual exhibitions each year except during World War II. Throughout its history, eminent artists were invited to exhibit and become honorary members. Many were associated with the Ruskin School of Drawing and the Slade School, which relocated from London to Oxford during World War II. Albert Rutherston and Percy Horton both held the position of Heads of the School and Presidents of the Society. Close contact with the Ruskin School and with the Ashmolean Museum was a major force in ensuring the continued success of the Society. The Ashmolean hosted the Society’s exhibitions for 56 years until a new gallery space became available at the Westgate Library in 1973. In 1992 a Centenary Exhibition was held at the Museum of Modern Art, Oxford (now known as Modern Art Oxford). Nearly 400 works were exhibited representing artists past and present, and over 300 exhibits were by then-current members.