Review

​Poole and East Dorset Art Society: 1924 to today, a review
‘Their Art Lives on’
A remarkable exhibition has just been launched at Poole’s Lighthouse, celebrating the first 100 years of Poole and East Dorset Art Society (PEDAS). It presents historical works by some illustrious former members, whilst throwing a spotlight on the best of the recent 30 years.
The selection was made by the artist Frances Hatch and Lighthouse’s Martha Earley who did an excellent job with their inclusion of a wide range of work, both old and new. Current, past, and non-members all willingly engaged in helping to track down and borrow precious paintings, generously loaned for the exhibition.
The exhibition has a true air of nostalgia. Visitors commented on how touching it was to have tapes of John Bowen’s voice playing in the downstairs gallery. John was President of PEDAS from 1980 and remained so until his death in 2020, he played a key role in teaching members to look at art and is still very much missed.
Beautiful paintings by John Bowen share the walls with works by Edward Lister, and Dennis Hill, all of whom are sadly no longer with us - but how wonderful that their work lives on!  The exhibition continues on the top floor of Lighthouse where you will find more noteworthy works including portraits by Tony Paul and Richard Price ROI, and gorgeous watercolour landscapes by Dennis Hill, and more besides. As Jacqui Gush, Chair of PEDAS commented ‘This is an historical milestone for PEDAS and will never occur again.’
‘Poole and East Dorset Art Society: 1924 to today’ runs until 27th July on the ground and top floor of Lighthouse, Poole. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm.
www.lighthousepoole.co.uk   
www.pedas.org.uk  
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