An article in the Dunfermline Press from Saturday, March 23, 1883 reported: "A meeting of gentlemen called together by circular for the purpose of forming a Fine Art Association for the town and district was held in the committee rooms of St. Margaret's Hall, Dunfermline on 22nd March 1883.
"It was agreed that a committee should be appointed to carry out preliminary arrangements as to the constitution, rules, place and time of exhibitions etc.
"Provost Walls, W. Inglis (Baillie), John Smith (Banker), Andrew Blair (Landscape painter), George Robertson (Draper) and John Lawson (Designer) were elected."
As a result of this meeting, The Dunfermline Fine Art Society – now known as Dunfermline Art Club – was formed.
The club's first exhibition was opened on the December 1, 1883, by the Honorary President Lord Elgin, and the show ran until January 18, 1884.
For this launch, the Carnegie swimming pool was turned into a temporary gallery, with the pool covered by flooring and the gallery illuminated by special gas lighting.
The works of a number of well-known artists were shown, together with those of 30 local artists. A total of almost 800 works were exhibited.
With only a short break during World War ll, the Art Club continued to encourage and support amateur art in the community.
For many years the club has held an Annual Exhibition of Members' work and the club maintains that tradition, with annual and winter exhibitions currently held in the Club's Gallery in Dunfermline Kingsgate.
The celebration of the Club's 140th birthday makes Dunfermline Art Club one of the oldest in Scotland.
The anniversary was marked by cakes and (non-alcoholic) drinks for the various member groups that meet and paint in the Club's Studio in Townhill Community Centre.
Today, the club has around 70 members who make full use of the dedicated studio premises in the basement of Townhill Community Centre.
Anyone over 18 years of age, who has an interest in art is welcome to join the club.
Anthony Felton
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