The Arts Society Dorking

CELEBRATING THE ARTS

Welcome to The Arts Society Dorking

Bringing people together through a shared interest in the Arts

We have a varied and lively programme for you:

Monthly lectures where an expert shares his/her knowledge of art, history, music
Visits to places of historic, architectural or cultural interest
Lectures with Lunch: in depth study of a specific aspect of the arts
Tours in the UK and abroad
Opportunities to volunteer, meet and socialise with those who have a mutual interest in the arts

Do come and join us, we would love to welcome you. Our society is open to all whether you are developing a new interest in the arts or have in-depth knowledge already.

We meet in the Martineau Hall, Dorking Halls on the second Tuesday morning of each month apart from August and September. There is tiered seating, so you always have a good view, high-quality audio-visual equipment and a large public car park.

To find out more about attending a lecture as a non-member, visit About Us here

To find out more about joining, visit our membership page here

The Lecture Feedback requires a password. If you have not received the password please email us at chairmantasd@gmail.com

LATEST NEWS

Welcome to the 2026-27 season of lectures

Please note owing to the closure of Dorking Halls for refurbishment, our lecture will be held at Peace Memorial Hall, Ashstead

Tuesday 10th November 2026

Bayeux Tapestry: international relations then and now

Hiliary Williams

What is the Bayeux Tapestry really all about? A power struggle, dynastic rivalries, broken promises, diplomatic relations in peril, military prowess and the building of a superpower? How was this amazing document in stitch made, when and possibly why? What has been the history of this brilliant but fragile object throughout its life? Its conservation has brought new data to light. How important is this piece of history as an object to foster 'entente-cordiale' and to link nations today?

Biography

Formerly a curator and Print Room Superintendent at the British Museum, is now Art History Education Officer in the Department of Learning & National Partnerships at the Museum. Hilary lectures for the British Museum and the Wallace Collection. She was a founding Artistic Director of The Arts Society of North Kent Evening. As a specialist in 17th century art, she has published on Rembrandt and has vast experience of giving gallery talks, of lecturing and of leading art history tours in UK, Europe, New York and Boston. For the Royal Collection Trust, she has guided Special Interest Private Tours of the State Apartments at Buckingham Palace.

If you would like to come to a lecture, but are not a member please contact:

Tricia Smart 07921 190346 membershiptasd@gmail.com

The Arts Society remit updated Summer 2025 here

Chairman Treasurer and Membership Reports 2026 here

AGM Minutes 2025 here

Programme 2026 - 27 here

What's on October to December 2026 here

Memory Trail in St Martin's Church here

Data Protection Regulations 2018

The Arts Society Dorking is compliant with regulations. Details here