The Arts Society Guildford

About Us

The Arts Society Guildford is a welcoming community for anyone interested in the arts. We bring together people who share a passion for art history, architecture, decorative arts, and cultural heritage through engaging lectures, guided visits, and social events.

Our society has been active in Guildford for many years, offering members opportunities to learn from expert speakers, visit galleries and historic sites, and connect with like-minded enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned art lover or new to the subject, you will find a warm welcome here.

Monthly Lectures

We host monthly lectures featuring distinguished speakers who cover a wide range of topics from Renaissance painting to contemporary design, from British architecture to international decorative arts. Each lecture is carefully curated to inform, inspire, and entertain.

Lectures typically take place on weekday evenings at a central Guildford venue. Members receive advance notice of all upcoming talks and have priority booking. Guests are welcome to attend individual lectures to experience what we offer.

Visits and Tours

Throughout the year, we organize visits to museums, galleries, historic houses, and places of architectural interest both locally and further afield. These excursions provide a wonderful opportunity to see collections and sites up close, often with expert guides or behind-the-scenes access.

Recent visits have included trips to London museums, National Trust properties, private collections, and architectural landmarks. Our visits programme is designed to complement our lecture series and deepen members' understanding and appreciation of the arts.

Membership

Membership of The Arts Society Guildford is open to everyone. As a member, you will enjoy access to all our lectures, advance booking for visits, invitations to special events, and the opportunity to participate in study days and workshops.

Members also receive the national Arts Society magazine, which features articles on art, heritage, and conservation, as well as information about activities across the network of Arts Societies throughout the country. Annual membership runs from September to August.

• Attend all monthly lectures
• Join organized visits and tours
• Receive the national magazine
• Access special events and study days
• Connect with fellow arts enthusiasts

Special Events

In addition to our regular programme, we host special events including study days, social gatherings, and collaborative projects with other cultural organizations. These occasions provide further opportunities to explore specific topics in depth and to enjoy the company of fellow members.

We also support heritage volunteering and conservation initiatives, contributing our expertise to help preserve and promote local and national treasures for future generations.

Get Involved

Whether you wish to become a member, attend a lecture as a guest, or simply learn more about what we do, we would love to hear from you. New members and visitors are always welcome, and no prior knowledge of art history is required.

For information about upcoming events, membership enquiries, or general questions, please get in touch using the contact details provided. We look forward to welcoming you to The Arts Society Guildford.