Founded in 1960, Farsley & District Art Club has been a creative home for artists of all levels for over sixty years. We’re tucked away in the old Ambulance Station at Westroyd Park, Farsley, a bright, welcoming space where ideas and skills are shared.
With just over sixty members (and always room for more), we’re open several days each week and offer a rich programme of classes and workshops. Whatever your experience, you’ll find a friendly atmosphere and plenty of inspiration.
What we offer
Draw from a live model in a supportive setting. Poses change throughout the session so you can explore gesture, proportion and different viewpoints.
Practice capturing likeness and character. Our portrait models shift pose several times during each class to give fresh angles and challenges.
Meet once a month to experiment with a range of printmaking techniques. Members work side by side, swapping tips and learning new processes together.
Discover the art and beauty of painting on silk. This group meets one or two times a month to create vibrant, flowing designs on fabric.
Once a month we gather to watch demos of acrylic painting techniques, then try them out ourselves. A relaxed, hands-on session with this versatile medium.
Our opening times
Refer to our calendar for all event details.
Monday evening – Print Club 18:30–21:00
The Print Club meet on a Monday evening and work on a variety of print methods, working on themes and collaborating on designs.
Tuesdays at the club – 10:00–15:00
The Tuesday group work on their own projects and share hints and tips, with some members teaching others how to improve their skills in particular areas.
Thursdays at the club – 10:00–15:00 and 19:00–21:00
We have two sessions that run on Thursdays where members can bring along their own projects to work on.
Any questions, please get in touch.
Where we are
All events and workshops are held at The Studio, Westroyd Park, Farsley, Leeds LS28 5AS.
Our story
Farsley Art Club was founded in 1960 when six local artists held meetings in the Fleece Hotel in Farsley and later in Ben Thrippletons’ barbers shop. In 1962 they moved their meetings to Farsley Liberal Club but two years later they were given notice to quit after leaving the room in an untidy state. The artists, now numbering approximately 30, were on the move again. Thanks to Frank Bower, a club member and a master at Wesley Street School, the club was given permission to use the art room at the school where he taught.
In 1965 the club committee made representation to Pudsey Urban District Council and we were offered Westroyd House, a large Victorian House, and moved in on September 25th of that year. Westroyd House was in a very poor state of repair and the members worked hard to make the building habitable.
Memories of those days remain with our older members, the cleaning, the painting and the repairing of the building. The jumble sales to raise money and the advertising in the local papers for furniture and the open fires that needed lighting on club nights.
Despite the efforts of the members, time took its toll on Westroyd House and in 2002 a visit from the council resulted in the realisation that a quarter of a million pounds would be needed to bring the building up to modern standards. Leeds City Council told us that the money was just not available. In 2004 Westroyd House was sold and converted into apartments and Farsley Art Club, thanks to the generosity of Leeds City Council, moved to the renovated ambulance station next door.
We now have a modern easily accessible building with disabled access and facilities.
Farsley & District Art Club 