The Arts Society Tayside has continued its summer programme of house and garden visits. On 23 May, 65 members travelled by coach from Perth to the Borders to visit Marchmont House Sculpture and Statues Garden. After a very welcome introduction to the history of the house over coffee in the Music Room, we divided into two groups and embarked on a tour of the sculptures.

On 13 June, 35 members enjoyed our first summer 'garden' outing after the end of our Season 2023 - 24 lectures: a very interesting visit to The House of The Binns, a National Trust for Scotland Property near Linlithgow. We were very fortunate to have, as a tour guide, the curator Antonia Laurence-Allen who introduced us to the history of Scottish portraiture through the Dalyell family portraits dating back over 400 years.

On 27 June, nearly 50 members visited Burntisland Parish Church (The Kirk of The Bible) where The General Assembly of Scotland gathered in 1601 with King James VI of Scotland. It was there that the Scottish Presbyters proposed to King James that the Bible should be translated into English to make it more accessible, to which he agreed and it was unanimously approved. We then visited Wemyss Castle Gardens. The 6 acre gardens are simply stunning with the clematis, roses ornamental trees, herbaceous planting, sweeping lawns, sculptures and architectural features. Tea in the wild garden followed after our walk through the gardens. A perfect end to a lovely day out.

On 3 July, 21 members visited Hospitalfield House in Arbroath, home of artist Patrick Allan Frazer and his wife Elizabeth. Ably informed by our guide Caroline, they had a fascinating tour of the many artworks and glorious early Arts and Crafts interiors, before tea and cakes and a tour of the garden.

Members are also looking forward to the start of our new lecture season, which kicks off on 9 September with “Icons and the Art of Byzantium” by Chris Newlands, at Birnam Arts.

The Arts Society Tayside is a not-for-profit Society dedicated to providing its members with enjoyable experiences in the arts in the company of people with similar interests. We also offer summer garden outings, specialist interest days and visits. Over the period September to June we enjoy ten interesting one hour lectures on a wide variety of topics at Birnam Arts, with a choice of morning or afternoon lectures, usually on the second Monday of every month. The new season 2024-25 will begin on 9 September, and membership for the year costs £65. Please visit our website to see the full programme: theartssocietytayside.org.uk.

We are a members-only Society, but if you would like to try before committing, we offer a complimentary lecture. Please contact us for a complimentary lecture or to become a member: tastmembership@gmail.com or 01350 724232.

https://theartssocietytayside.org.uk/

Advertorial Feature