The Bolton Art Circle is marking 80 years of local creativity by hosting a free exhibition on Easter Saturday, 4 April 2026. The event invites residents to view a collection of work from members and explore the history of the group, which has been a staple of the cultural landscape in Bolton since 1945.
The Bolton Art Circle began after discussions in the process department of Tillotsons Ltd, where a small group of people sought to form an organisation for the practice and furtherance of art. Following an initial meeting at the Camera Club Rooms on 19 October 1945, the group was officially established with John Gauld elected as its first chairman.
Over the past eight decades, the circle has grown into one of the largest art societies in the north of England. Since March 1994, the group has been based at Highfield Hall Community Centre in Farnworth, where it hosts workshops and demonstrations in various media, including oils, acrylics, and watercolours.
The organisation has maintained a long tradition of showcasing local talent, having held its first annual exhibition in 1946. Throughout its history, the circle has attracted notable recognition, including a 1957 exhibition judged by the famous artist L.S. Lowry, and a large-scale 50th-anniversary celebration at Bolton Town Hall in 1996 that featured nearly 1,000 works of art.
Beyond its regular workshops, the circle has also organised monthly art fairs at the Last Drop Village Hotel since 1999. The group continues to welcome artists of all skill levels to join their activities and participate in community exhibitions.
About this article: This story was put together with the help of AI tools and checked by a real person on our team. We're a small crew trying to cover as much of the UK as we can on a limited budget. We're getting better every day - but we're not perfect yet. If something looks off, let us know. You're part of the process.
