About Us

History

The Sculptors Society was founded in 1951 and is the oldest sculpture society in New South Wales. The founding President of the Society was Dennis Winston with Lyndon Dadswell as Vice-President. Founding members also included Gerald Lewers, Paul Beadle, Bim Hilder, Frank Lamb, Robert Klippel, Joe Mason, Owen Broughton and Anita Aarons. Later members included Clement Meadmore, Len and Kath Shillam, Oliffe Richmond, Douglas Annand, Bert Flugelman, Alan Ingham and Margo Lewers. The Society has over its lifetime provided a launching pad for the careers of many well-known and highly regarded sculptors, also including May Barrie, Diana Hunt, Anna Cohn, Errol Davis, Alan Somerville and many many others.

Not For Profit

The Sculptors Society has a constitution, is audited and is incorporated under the Companies Act of 1961. The Society is run by a committee elected yearly by the membership. All work, including the running of our exhibitions is done voluntarily by our members. The Society derives its income from membership fees, exhibition entry charges for exhibiting sculptors, a percentage on sales, advertising in the Bulletin and on the web, and from sponsorship. It does not seek to accumulate money, but ploughs money back into services, or advertising its services for the benefit of its members. All committee positions are unpaid.

Forums

The Sculptors Society holds an AGM and then usually about 4 other forums a year at the North Sydney Leagues Club. A wide range of guest speakers, including amongst others, local and overseas sculptors, curators, gallery owners, art judges, teachers, architects and suppliers of materials and services relevant to sculptors are invited to address us on these occasions. These talks and demonstrations are catered, and they are free, with a bar open too. All are welcome, and many friendships are forged at these relaxed yet informative gatherings.

Showcasing Work

The Society arranges and conducts several major and smaller sculpture exhibitions a year, showcasing and promoting members' works. These are held mainly though not exclusively in Sydney, NSW. The Society's web-pages of members' sculptures provide a photographic register which gives easier access to viewing members' works, replacing the registers hitherto kept. This is useful for those seeking to commission sculpture for private collections, architectural projects and public monuments. In addition, this photographic portfolio o f current works for sale by members includes, for those members who have nominated this, contact details and a description of materials used, size and price, if the work is for sale, plus a web-link to another private website for that member, if this is available.

Bulletins

The Sculptors Society produces a bi-monthly Bulletin, which is sent out to all members providing information on exhibitions, prizes, coming events, reviews, advertisements and any news of interest to sculptors. It also provides a platform for debate on sculptural matters. Our publication is requested and collected by institutions such as the State Library of NSW, NSW Parliament Library, the State Library of Queensland, the National Gallery of Australia and other state galleries, museums, universities, art schools and other art societies. The Mitchell Library in Sydney currently holds and provides access to the Society's archival material.

Tuition and Suppliers

The Society provides lists of teachers and places of sculpture tuition, and a listing of suppliers of materials and tools. Discounts are offered by a number of suppliers to Sculptors Society members.

Membership

Membership is divided into full membership for more experienced sculptors, student membership for those just starting out in this art-form, and also associate membership for non-sculptors, who nevertheless feel connected and would like to receive our Bulletins. The Committee views all applications, and aspiring full members need to submit portfolios of work to ensure that the professional standards of the Society are maintained. The Society represents members throughout NSW as well as interstate and overseas.