From its inception in 1920, the Bournemouth Arts Club has provided a focus of excellence for the visual arts by bringing together those who practise with those maintaining a lively interest in current developments.  It is a fusion of proud tradition with evolution which brings BAC into the 21st Century.

In the past, famous names such as Paul Nash, Graham Sutherland and Augustus John have featured in Members’ Exhibitions.  Lucy Kemp-Welch was a member – Vice President at one time. Talks by eminent speakers including Sir John Betjeman, David Hockney and Sir Hugh Casson helped to heighten awareness of an interest in visual expression.

John Liddell - Hengistbury Head, Dorset, Linocut

Mary Davis - Over the hills and far away

Exhibitions have always provided a core activity, these being held in notable spaces such as the Guildhall, Winchester, the St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery, Lymington and Town Mill at Lyme Regis. Our highly successful Foot Square held at the Russell-Cotes renewed an historic link.  BAC/SC has also established links with Bournemouth University, both with regular exhibitions in the Atrium Gallery and in The Retreat (Staff Common Room).

The traditions of BAC coupled with its evolution and renewal, led in 2002 to the adoption of the title ‘Southern Contemporaries’ as exhibiting name for the organisation, with the intention of reaching as wide an audience as possible in serious artistic venues both within the region and beyond.

A small booklet has been produced outlining 90 years of Bournemouth Arts Club - ‘Decade Bites’ 1920 – 2010, available from the Club for £1.50 (inc. p&p)