History of Carshalton & Wallington Art Group

The Carshalton and Wallington Art Group traces its roots back to the post-war art scene of suburban Surrey. Its first incarnation, the Carshalton Art Group, held its inaugural meeting in April 1950. Local art enthusiasts – a mix of art teachers, hobbyists, and semi-professionals – formed the group with the aim of fostering creative exchange in their community.

In 1956 the group expanded its scope to include the neighboring town of Wallington, officially adopting the name Carshalton and Wallington Art Group. By this time meetings were being held at Honeywood House (also known as Honeywood Lodge) – a centuries-old house by Carshalton Ponds that the council had made available for social functions.

The early membership fee was just "37½ p" per year, underscoring how community-focused and accessible the club was from the start. Members were expected to be capable amateurs, but a few professionals also lent expertise and raised the artistic standards.

Through the 1950s, weekly meet-ups at Honeywood included painting together, sharing techniques, and planning exhibitions. The aim was clear: to bring together like-minded artists and practice visual arts as a social, skill-building hobby. Early members also organized sketching outings and occasional trips to London exhibitions, mixing art with camaraderie. By the late 1950s, the group had firmly established itself, tapping into a broader pool of talent and setting the stage for decades to come.

In 1983, after nearly three decades at Honeywood, the group moved to Wallington's United Reformed Church, using Holmwood Hall as its base. Holmwood Hall provided a spacious, dedicated environment for Thursday evening meetings. Weekly sessions were enriched by guest demonstrations, workshops, and critiques. Social traditions flourished, including sketching trips, summer parties, and festive gatherings.

In 1987, President Bert Houghton introduced a new annual landscape painting competition, personally sponsoring a £10 prize. This competition became a highlight, encouraging members to refine their plein air and landscape skills. Houghton retired in 1997 at age 91, and the group established the Bert Houghton Memorial Award, presented annually with the May Crick Silver Salver as a trophy.

In the 1990s, the group became affiliated with the Arts Council of the London Borough of Sutton and participated in borough arts festivals. Annual exhibitions remained the marquee event, often held at Sutton Library's Europa Gallery. In 2000, the Golden Jubilee Exhibition was staged at Fairfield Halls in Croydon, celebrating 50 years of creativity. The group also engaged in community outreach at local fairs and schools.