Sheffield Society of Artists

This prestigious organisation was founded in 1873, by a group of thirteen artists, including Richard Smith, (1818–1890), William Poole, (c.1798–1888), James Poole, (1804-1886), Thomas Bush Hardy, (1842-1897), William F. Ellis, (1824-1882) and Theophilus Smith, (1838-1882). The Society was formed primarily as an exhibiting society, which aimed to stimulate more patronage for local artists and to break the monopoly of London as the focal point for establishing reputations. The original aim was to hold two annual exhibitions, one for local artists and another more important occasion for artists with a national reputation. The first exhibition held in 1875 was staged at the Church Institute in St James Street. Hugh Ford Crighton (1824–1886) was the President and Richard Smith, was the secretary. As membership grew, larger, premises with better lighting were needed and in 1878 the Sheffield School of Art offered their building which was used until 1892.

By the turn of the century, the society had nearly forty members and associates and in 1902 the Society became a registered charity in 1902.

The first Municipal Exhibition was held from April to June 1914, but local artists were not allowed to enter because of a lack of space, only works from artists with an established reputation were accepted. After a policy change at the Mappin Art Gallery, local art societies were allowed to exhibit. This resulted during the 1920’s and 1930’s in the annual exhibition being held at the Mappin which became an important social occasion. The exhibitors ranged from comparatively unknown local artists to nationally established artists. After the opening of the Graves Art Gallery in 1934, the exhibition of contemporary art was held there. The Society exhibited until 1940, but then suspended exhibitions during the war. They resumed in 1946. The annual exhibitions continued until the late 1950’s, when a Committee decision withdrew the use of the Graves and the Society was disbanded in the early 1960’s.