Heeley art club marks 125th anniversary with online gallery of early 20th century works

The Heeley art club was due to marking its 125th anniversary this year with a retrospective exhibition by members past and present.

The show was expected to centre on a collection of works by the club’s earliest members which were recently given back to the club.

Spokesman Keith Oakes said: “The club was given a bound book of 42 original paintings of members’ work presented to Sydney Marsden on his retirement from the club in 1923.

“These wonderful works by Sheffield artists will now form part of the club’s 125th exhibition next year.”

For now, the club has uploaded the contents of the book on to its website, offering a fascinating glimpse at scenes of South Yorkshire’s past.

The club, named because many of the original members lived in Heeley, has been in existence since 1895 and is one of the oldest art clubs in the UK.

Past members have achieved prominence, including Charles Ashmore, Arthur Lismer, Fred Varley, Stanley Royal, Frank Saltfleet and Herbert Slater.

Arthur Lismer and Fred Varley went on to be part of the Group of Seven, who were famous artists in Canada.

Dates and venues of the club’s rearranged exhibition are yet to be confirmed.

To view the historic works and pieces by latter-day members, go to heeleyartclub.co.uk.