The Arts Society Saltaire

M.C. Escher was one of those rare artists to become a pop cultural icon. His most emblematic works are instantly recognizable, and continue to beguile new fans with their startlingly original, paradoxical constructions. It is little wonder that some of Escher’s best-loved optical illusions have been reinvented and referenced countless times, appearing on album covers, inspiring films like The Matrix (1999) and Inception (2010), and even being parodied by Family Guy and The Simpsons.
A spectacular new exhibition at Somerset House in London invites visitors to step into Escher’s wacky world, courtesy of a series of immersive installations where nothing is quite as it seems. Bringing together more than 150 works made between 1918 and 1964, the show also traces the artist’s development, from his early days obsessively drawing in obscurity to his ascendance to global stardom.
By Jo Lawson-Tancred (Artnet) August 2nd 2026

Star quality at Harewood House

‘There is always something dramatic about my work; it is theatre brought to everyday life,’ said Cecil Beaton, the renowned photographer, art director and designer for stage and screen. With his love of theatrical design, he brought elaborate backdrops, costume and dramatic lighting to bear on portrait sitters ranging from Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe to Queen Elizabeth II.
Cecil Beaton: Staging Icons at Harewood House in West Yorkshire features more than 60 of Beaton’s works from the National Portrait Gallery’s collection – some on display for the first time. These show how Beaton transformed the photographic studio into something rather like a stage set; seen here is his striking 1959 portrait of actor Julie Andrews. The exhibition also draws out Harewood’s links to Beaton’s glittering circle, adding a local angle to this celebration of 20th-century glamour, artifice and star power. Catch it until 4 October.

Photo © Jamie Woodley; Julie Andrews, 1959, Cecil Beaton. © Cecil Beaton Archive.
theartssocietysaltaire.org.uk

‘Sculpture is an art of the open air. Daylight, sunlight, is necessary to it, and for me its best setting and complement is nature.’ – Henry Moore, 1951 🌿

The sculptor might as well have been talking about two of this summer’s must-see exhibitions…

‘Henry Moore: Monumental Nature’ – the largest-ever outdoor exhibition of his work – is at Kew Gardens in London until 31 January 2027. Catch ‘Henry Moore and more’ at Kew’s wilder site, Kew Wakehurst in Sussex, until 23 May 2027.

Seen here is Family Group (1948–49), beautifully at home in its natural setting.

📷 Ines Stuart-Davidson © RGB Kew

The Arts Society Saltaire is having a summer break from lectures. Our next talk will be on Wednesday 02 September 2026 with Dr Peter Ross

FROM THE SAXONS TO MARY BERRY- A Visual History of the English Cookbook- we could all do with a copy of Fancy Ices right now!

Across a thousand years of manuscripts and over five hundred years of publishing, English Cookbooks are full of extraordinary food and extraordinary illustrations from medieval illuminated manuscripts to the coffee table books of today. This lecture tells the story of the development of the cookbook.
theartssocietysaltaire.org.uk

We’re launching the very first Bingley Artistic Youth Panel at Bingley Arts Centre!
If you’re aged 16–25 and passionate about creativity, community and shaping youth cultural events, we’d love to hear from you.

Are you proactive? A team player? Excited to make a difference in Bingley?
Scan the QR code or visit: www.bingleyartscentre.co.uk/youthpanel
Email: [email protected]
Deadline: 9am, 17 July

Come and help us shape the future of arts and culture in Bingley.

Bayeux Tapestry: Tens of thousands rush to buy tickets for British Museum exhibition The historic masterpiece will travel from France to go on display on UK soil for the first time.

The new edition of The Arts Society Magazine has arrived with our members.

On the cover is a portrait of the incredible William Kentridge, whose production of Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo is showing at Glyndebourne this season. Our Editor-at-Large Sue Herdman had the privilege of interviewing Kentridge to find out more about this spectacular production, running from 3 to 25 July.

Here’s a taste of what else you can expect inside our new magazine…
- Tate curator and Arts Society Lecturer Nicola Moorby on the importance of summer in
the painting of John Constable
- Indigo Dunphy-Smith on the LGBTQ+ histories of our country houses.
- Mudlarking and the art inspired by it, with Lara Maiklem and Raewyn Harrison.
You’ll also find our guide to top arts events happening across the UK this summer, as well as
some major anniversaries and exciting new openings.

Each issue of the magazine is a gift to members of The Arts Society. If you’re yet to join us, just head to the link in our bio to find out how to do so. Each issue of the magazine is a gift to members of The Arts Society. If you’re yet to join us, visit our website to find out more. https://theartssociety.org/

Gentleman Jack 3 - 5 Sep