Ripley Arts Centre hosted our afternoon tea this year - a lovely location that does so much for the arts in Bromley. It was the hottest day of the year so there were fans galore but it was a lovely occasion. Thank you to organisers and attendees. 

Normandy 2026: Parks, Gardens & Medieval Cities — A Memorable Arts Society Journey In May 2026, twenty-two Arts Society members embarked on a five-day cultural adventure through Normandy, beginning with a smooth Eurotunnel crossing—despite a less-than-smooth encounter with France’s new immigration system. Once in France, our skilled driver Damon guided us to Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy, where cobbled streets, timbered houses and a skyline of Gothic spires welcomed us. Our first full day explored Rouen’s medieval heart under Dominique Waag’s expert guidance. The magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady—its architecture spanning Early Gothic to Renaissance—stood as a testament to centuries of resilience, surviving wars, revolutions and bombings. We admired the famed Gros Horloge, a 14th-century astronomical clock, and visited the poignant Vieux-Marché, site of Joan of Arc’s execution, now marked by a striking modern church illuminated by rescued 16th-century stained glass. The afternoon took us along the Seine Valley to the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Jumièges Abbey, followed by a warm and flavourful introduction to Normandy’s cider and Calvados traditions at La Ferme des Ruelles. Wednesday celebrated Normandy’s artistic legacy. At the Musée des Beaux-Arts, we explored centuries of painting and sculpture before travelling to Giverny. Monet’s house and gardens—bursting with colour, reflections and iconic water lilies—brought his masterpieces vividly to life, despite the inevitable crowds drawn to this artistic sanctuary. Glorious sunshine greeted Thursday’s visit to Honfleur, a charming harbour town beloved by artists and birthplace of Eugène Boudin. The timber-built Church of St Catherine, crafted by shipwrights, was a highlight. After leisurely lunches in shady spots, we continued to Le Havre’s MuMa, whose light-filled galleries house one of France’s finest Impressionist collections. A lively farewell dinner rounded off the day,. Our final day offered tranquillity and beauty. After a peaceful seaside pause at Hôtel de la Terrasse, we explored the Parc Floral du Bois des Moutiers. Designed by Lutyens and Jekyll, its garden rooms and sweeping parkland—rich with rhododendrons, magnolias and Japanese maples—formed a “living painting” of colour and texture. The estate’s sensitive 2020 restoration preserved its Arts and Crafts spirit. A Fond Farewell to Anita Goodall The trip concluded with heartfelt thanks to Anita Goodall, who is stepping down after many years as the Society’s dedicated holiday organiser. Her care, humour and impeccable head-counting have shaped countless memorable journeys. We wish her joy in future travels—where she can finally be counted rather than doing the counting. 

From Temple Place to Battersea Power Station - a good year for visits! the chimneys a prominent feature. On 10 June we were treated to another excellent Anna-organized outing, this time to Battersea Power Station. It was built in two stages by the London Power Company to provide 20% of the electricity requirements of the metropolis. The station is one of the world's largest brick buildings and notable for its art deco exterior and interior design. Station A (the western part) was completed in 1935 with full art deco interior; Station B’s completion was delayed until 1955 and it received only an austerity fit-out. Both were coal-fired with the large exhaust-scrubber towers under Our guide, Ian Swankie, a Green Badge guide, is an accredited Arts Society lecturer, and it showed. He explained that the complex was decommissioned in 1975, being Grade II listed in 1980, upgraded to II* in 2007. Various attempts to use the 42-acre (17 ha) site failed until, in 2012, administrators entered into an agreement with Malaysian investors to develop the entre site to include residential, bars, restaurants, office space (occupied principally by ‘Apple’), shops, entertainment spaces, and critically, an Underground railway extension and station. The main Power Station building was opened to the public in October 2022. Ian emphasised that the owners viewed it as a 40 – 50 years investment and spent on a build quality usually seen only outside the 3 UK. This showed in the details included in the refurbishment of the main building – reflecting its art deco heritage – and the planning and architectural quality of the surrounding development. A nice touch was that the company which supplied the original hand-made bricks was able to provide over one million matching ones for the restoration. Altogether a fascinating morning. Colin Wright Thankyou Anna for all the variety of visits you have organised. We’re looking forward to what you have planned for us next year!  

We are delighted that auctioneer and valuer Catherine Southon has become our Patron. Catherine will support us as well as the  Arts Societies of Beckenham and North Kent. Catherine expressed her delight and excitement in being able to help us share knowledge about the arts and increase access to the arts locally. Our Arts Societies  will appear on Catherine's website and she hopes that we will visit her at the auction house soon!

We are very much looking forward to working with Catherine in the future!

visit: www.catherinesouthon.co.uk 

Year 3 really enjoyed their trip back in time to Ancient Egypt via a Magic Lantern show at Edgebury Primary School. The students took part in a stimulating and interactive art project and we are looking forward to seeing the results!

Wonderful to meet all our new members - Welcome!

Special thanks to Jill for providing the venue and such warm hospitality!

Thank you to Andrew Prince who gave a fabulous talk about the making of, and inspiration behind, the costume jewellery for the show Downton Abbey. There was even the opportunity to try on a tiara!

Thanks also go to all the organisers!

2 Temple Place was completed in 1895 to serve as the London office of William Waldorf Astor. His immense wealth meant that the creators were given an unlimited budget! 

Members had a terrific trip there - the building is neo-Tudor and has an exceptionally decorative interior. 

Thank you to Anna for organising!

A wonderful visit - thank you to Hilary for bringing this special collection to life!

Thank you to our new President, Freddie Matthews, for talking about his life and career in art at our Bring and Share Vegetarian lunch. It was a lovely afternoon - thank you also to Margaret Brearley for hosting!

Thank you to Simon Williams for entertaining us so brilliantly on this evening. Sue Glazebrook asked some insightful questions which lead to an in-depth and often intimate discussion about the actor's life.  From working with Laurence Olivier to Noel Coward, Simon's career has had many highlights and it was fascinating to hear him talk about his adventures on stage and screen. 

Members really enjoyed their guided tour of the Cartoon Museum. From Punch to Spitting Image, cartoons have provided important social and political commentary in a popular form.  The museum traces cartoon history and gives an insight into their significance. Thank you to Joe, our guide, the Museum and our organiser, Anna. 

Thank you to Hilary Williams who treated members to a talk about her fascinating life and career in the arts.  Hilary has had roles at the Frick Museum, Buckingham Palace, the Wallace Collection and the British Museum and she has been an amazing supporter of the Arts Society over the years.  Thanks also to Margaret Brearley who hosted our accompanying bring and share lunch. This event raised £220 pounds for our society - thank you everyone!

Our Christmas lecture on Dick Whittington went down a storm. Thank you to Simon Whitehouse and our organisers for the drinks and mince-pies beforehand! Merry Christmas everyone! 

Emma Johnson has become an accredited Arts Society Lecturer. The renowned clarinetist gave a fabulous talk on 'the Roots of Jazz' earlier this year and she sends her thanks to Bromley for helping her become accredited.

Emma said, "In my concert career I am often asked to talk about the music I play and I usually find there is too much to say, so I am delighted to be able to channel some of my musicological instincts into lectures for the Arts Society."

Bromley is delighted for Emma and we look forward to seeing her soon!

Leighton House – 24th June 2004

We travelled up to London on what was one of the hottest days of the year and despite problems on the line at Waterloo we arrived in time for our tour of Leighton House. 
 

 Frederic Leighton had the house built to his specific instructions; allowing for further extensions as funds allowed. This was his home as well as his studio and showroom. During his occupancy there was only ever the one bedroom. He entertained his friends here but at the end of the evening no one would be staying over.

He never married and had no descendants to pass the house onto with the house eventually showed signs of neglect.  Since the early 1980s there have been various restorations and where the trustees have not been able to source original fittings copies have been made from photographs of the interiors. As well as being open to the public the house also hosts exhibitions and educational workshops.

One of my favourite parts of the house is the Arab Hall extension built between 1877-81. Leighton had travelled to the East and was inspired by the buildings in Damascus to collect the tiles that decorated the mosques and houses there.The gold mosaic frieze was designed by Walter Crane of the Arts & Crafts movement. We were told of a lively evening when a guest fell into the fountain pool. 

Leighton was a great collector with the house being filled with art. After his death his sisters auctioned the entire contents of the house in order to fulfil his wish to make a large bequest to the Royal Academy as they had been unable to sell the house itself.                                                       June Riley

Gathering of new members and the committee at Langley Park Golf Club

Cutlers Hall – 13th February 2024

As we gathered in the Cutlers Hall before commencing our tour I was struck by the number of elephants incorporated into the building. 
 

Our guide (The Beadle) advised us that the Elephant & Castle was granted to the company as its new crest in 1622 and they can be seen throughout the building including on the wallpaper.

On view in the hall were recent Contemporary Cutlery Design competition award winning sets of a knife, fork and spoon. This competition was inaugurated in 2021. Also on display was a Blade Tree as the Cutlers has a history of making surgical instruments in addition to knives and swords. The guild is still supporting its charitable objective in education today.

We were then taken though to the two adjoining rooms which form the Court Room with portraits of past masters on the wall and part of their collection on display.

On proceeding upstairs (past more elephants) we were able to see more of their collections including a sword that had been presented to Edward VIII that he returned after his abdication. There were also very impressive stained glass windows, commemorating Newton, Raleigh and Tennyson; although I never did discover their connection to the hall.

Finally, we entered the Livery Hall with its Victorian hammer beam ceiling. We were seated here and the Beadle took us through the Loving Cup ceremony with three of our party acting as Master and Wardens. This dates back to Anglo Saxon times and the assassination of King Edward the Martyr who was stabbed by command of Elfrida whilst drinking from a two-handed goblet. As you drink from the loving cup one of your neighbours holds the lid in their sword hand while your other neighbour stands with their back to you as protection. The Loving Cup ceremony and the use of the Rosewater bowls still take place at the company’s dinners today.

I found this tour to be a very interesting and informative insight into one of the oldest Livery Companies in the City of London and was pleased to have had the opportunity to visit. Thank you to Anna for organising this.

June Riley