History of the Guild

In 1985 three professional painters - John Soar, James Trew and Frederick Cameron-Street gathered together a group of traditional artists and formed the Guild, at which time they were granted permission to use the Bustard County emblem as the Guild's logo. The aim was to encourage mutual help among the members to facilitate serious progress in their art work. This initial group of experienced painters were willing to share their talents for the benefit of each other. Thus the ensuing monthly meetings held at the Wootton Bassett Civic Centre took the form of a demonstration of a painting method by one of the initial 13 Guild members.

Membership is by a selection and over the years has increased, with a limit of 40 full member artists, selected to ensure that a good standard of work is maintained.

The activities provided by the Guild have also expanded to include monthly, themed evening workshops or demonstrations by invited professional artists (held either in Hook Village Hall or Broad Town Village Hall), occasional life drawing days and two full day, self-led painting workshops each month. The latter are held at Broad Town village hall where non-members are also welcomed.

Since the Guild's inception, regular art exhibitions have been held in the County and these are currently arranged twice a year, with additional such events organised by smaller groups of Guild members. The standard of members' work is evidenced by individual competition awards, membership of regional and national art organisations and participation in high profile media events.

As a tribute to our long-time President, Frederick Cameron-Street, who sadly died in August 2016 aged 90, we have retained images of some of his work in our gallery pages. (Click to View)