Drawing attention

Contemporary Review, Jan, 1998 by Geraldine Jones

An Election to Membership of the Society of Graphic Fine Art takes place every year and the exhibition is open to members and non-members alike. The commitment to good drawing is still of prime importance and exhibition and membership rules state that of four pieces of work, one must be a drawing or print in black and white or monochrome. For election to Membership the candidates must produce at least four finished works and a portfolio of drawings. With such commitment to draughtsmanship in its rules, the Society of Graphic Fine Art is unique amongst British art societies.

The Society continues to move forward with its present President, Jean Canter. A newsletter is now produced twice a year to keep its members aware of exhibitions and events. Visits to exhibitions are occasionally arranged. At present there are about eighty members from all over the country who are all committed professional artists. Through their generosity the Society makes a yearly donation to the Artists' General Benevolent Institution, a registered charity founded in 1814 and whose present Patron is Her Majesty the Queen. This charity helps to support many artists who are living and working under extreme difficulties brought about by illness, accident or other misfortune. Turner and Constable were both keen supporters of the A.G.B.I. and did much to raise funds for this charity which has helped many artists although few people know of its existence. The Society of Graphic Fine Art is hoping to exhibit once a year in the provinces in addition to their annual exhibition in London; this year's exhibit will be in Birmingham. With two exhibitions a year the Society will continue to go from strength to strength.

When the Society of Graphic Fine Art was originally formed it represented serious artists who continued the traditional skills of the past. Today those skills are still shown alongside a modern outlook. In this day and age, when much of the British art that attracts attention is made to shock or attract 'sensation', it is reassuring to know that there is one Society that reflects the interest and taste of a large proportion of the general public.

Geraldine Jones is a freelance artist and a member of the Society of Graphic Fine Art.