Following the formation of the Tonbridge Decorative and Fine Arts Society (TDFAS) in July 1981, the inaugural members meeting was held on 22nd October, 1981. Our society, which is a registered charity, aims to provide the people who live in Tonbridge and the surrounding area with the opportunity to enjoy, study and advance their knowledge and understanding of the decorative and fine arts and of our national heritage. Our annual programme, set out on our lectures web page, gives details of the wide variety of monthly illustrated lectures presented by reknowned experts in particular areas of the arts and our national heritage.
Each year we arrange a STUDY DAY (Day of Special Interest), which is devoted to a more detailed study of a subject than is possible in one of our lectures. Recent topics include "Textile Art of the 20th Century", "How were Medieval Cathedrals Built?", "Sculpture in the 20th Century", "The Three Main Techniques of Western Painting", History of Dress and Fashion : Tudor to Edwardian"
In the summer months we organise DAY VISITS to venues of artistic or historic interest often related to a lecture topic and led by expert guides. Visits in 2010 were to the Wallace Collection & Royal Albert Hall, Pashley Manor, the De La Warr Pavillion, Bexhill & Great Dixter and Arudel Castle.
Also we organise 5/6 DAY BREAKS each year to a location abroad or in the UK. Recent trips include New York, Northumbria, Burgundy, Holland, Seville and Liverpool. In 2009, we visited the famous and ancient city of Krakow and in May 2010, some of the spectacular chateaux in the Loire Valley.
2011 will be a special year as it marks the 30th anniversary of Tonbridge DFAS formation and we hope to have some special events to celebrate this occasion.
We meet every fourth Thursday of the month at 2:30pm (except August and December). Tea and coffee are served after the meeting.
Venue:
Medway Hall.
The Angel Leisure Centre. Angel Lane, Tonbridge
We currently have around 170 members and welcome guests and new members with no waiting list for membership. Parking is available in the adjacent car parks but is not free. Visitors are welcome and the fee for a guest attending a lecture is £5. Individual membership of the Society costs £35 per annum and £65.00 per annum for couples.
For further information, please contact:
Mrs Gill Theaker
Please email for contact details
Telephone: 01732 884728
E-mail: tonbridge@nadfaskentarea.org.uk
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