In 1989, in a conversation at the Chelsea Arts Club, with Peter Peterson RBA, Sandra Pepys (then chair of the Society of Landscape Painters), Dennis Gilbert NEAC, Cinzia Bonada RBA and others it was mentioned that many of them often painted small scale works and that it would be good idea if there were a forum for exhibiting such works. The potential membership was discussed and a shortlist of names agreed on and the Small Paintings Society - subsequently renamed the Small Paintings Group - was founded. More...
Membership consists of a maximum of 35 artists, many of whom also belong to other exhibiting societies - NEAC, RWS, RBA and others - and of course paint on a much larger scale as well. The paintings exhibited with the SPG are limited to 12" by 12" or 144 square inches in area and may be in any medium.
From our President, Linda Sutton...
"It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of our previous SPG President, Anne Wright.
Most of us called her Annie. I always enjoyed her kindness and hospitality when she hosted our Council Meetings and SPG Christmas Parties at her home in Clapham among her antiques, vintage furniture, collection of crockery and memorabilia. Also, her own paintings of Santorini, an island she loved. In the early days I remember her elegant greyhounds on the front room sofas.
As the current President, I'm glad we had a transition, so Annie was able to come to my house the last couple of years for our Christmas Parties. It meant a great deal to her that the Group was continuing. She never missed an AGM, until last month."