Henley-on-Thames

Enriching Lives Through Shared Curiosity: We believe the arts are more than dates or objects; they are an uplifting force that enriches the human spirit and inspires our community.

Fostering Connection: We serve as a vibrant social anchor for our community. By bringing people together through a collective passion for arts and crafts, we transform shared interests into lasting friendships and a more connected society.

Expanding Horizons: Our mission is to make the world of arts and crafts accessible to everyone and, by connecting members with leading experts, we foster an enduring journey of learning and a profound appreciation for human creativity.

Preserving for the Future: We are dedicated to preserving local and national heritage through grants and volunteer initiatives. By investing in the next generation of artists and conservators, we ensure our culture remains an enduring resource for years to come.

Picture "Henley Market" kindly provided by Clive Williams. The Arts Society Henley (TASH).

Since its founding in 1976, The Arts Society Henley (TASH) has aimed to create a welcoming space where art lovers can meet, socialise and learn together.

Our venue for lectures and most study days is the Clubhouse, managed by Henley Rugby Football Club, in a road called Dry Leas, which is near the beginning of Marlow Road in Henley, on the left hand side (opposite the road that leads to Phyllis Court).

Lectures take place in a large comfortable room and there is a delightful bar and café - called Menza - serving hot drinks, pastries and delicious light lunches.

The car park that we use when attending events is a few metres further down the Marlow Road, also on the left and clearly signed. It is free for members and a very short walk to/from the Clubhouse.

Please be warned that the Clubhouse also has a carpark (specifically the Dry Leas Long Stay Car Park) which is right next to the Clubhouse but is Pay-and-Display.

Beyond our passion for learning together, The Arts Society Henley (TASH) is a Registered charity (#289323) dedicated to enriching the cultural life of our town and the surrounding area.

We take great pride in supporting local arts and crafts activities, providing grants and volunteer expertise to inspire the next generation of creators. By joining us, you aren't just gaining access to world-class culture - you are directly contributing to the vibrant artistic future of the Oxfordshire community.

How the Charity Spends its Money: TASH operates under the umbrella of The (National) Arts Society, promoting awareness of the arts by offering its members and visitors lectures, study days and visits to exhibitions and artistic centres.

We reach out to local schools, universities and the community, providing financial grants, workshops, volunteer support and assistance with the preservation of local records. No trustees receive any remuneration, payments or benefits from the charity.

The Arts Society Henley (TASH) was founded in 1976 by Françoise White and was formerly known as Henley Decorative & Fine Arts Society (HEDFAS). The first lecture was held in January 1977. Since that time, membership has grown and now includes between 400 and 500 members all year round. TASH is now one of over 385 societies throughout the UK, in mainland Europe and New Zealand as well as 35 societies in Australia as part of the Australian Decorative & Fine Arts Society with a combined membership of about 100,000 worldwide.

Back in 2017, HEDFAS marked their 40th anniversary at Phyllis Court Club with a celebratory afternoon tea hosted by Loyd Grossman. Over 150 members of the society enjoyed tea and scones in the Finlay Suite as they were entertained by Dr Grossman in conversation with Alvi Shaw, a HEDFAS committee member. Anne Balgarnie, 2017 Chairman of HEDFAS, said, “The 40th Anniversary Tea was a wonderful occasion for our members who enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea in a perfectly air-conditioned room. It was an absolute delight to listen to Loyd Grossman, President of NADFAS, and hear all about his life from studying at UCL to performing at Glastonbury!”

Streaming Lectures to You: The morning session of our Monthly Lecture (TASH Talk) is simultaneously broadcast online using YouTube. We call this our TASH Cast and it is the ideal option for members who are away or who are unable to physically join us at the Clubhouse in Henley - it enables members to watch and participate from wherever they are !!

The link for the TASH Cast is sent to members via email, a day or two before the talk.

We request permission from the lecturers to stream the morning session, but we are not in a position to stream it a second time in the afternoon, nor is anyone allowed to record any of the talks.

YouTube offers the option to type questions into the 'Chat' feed, which can be asked on your behalf at the end of the Talk.

TASH Casts of our amazing programme of Arts Lectures are yet another reason to become a member of The Arts Society Henley.

The Arts Society Henley (TASH) deliver 10 outstanding lectures per year, held on the 3rd Thursday of the month, twice a day, the morning (AM) lecture starting at 10.45 and the afternoon (PM) lecture (a repeat) at 2.15 and they last approximately 1 hour.

Parking is available, Free-of-Charge, in the field adjacent to the Club with signage in place to guide you.

Recent TASH event topics include Iconic American Artworks, a private tour of Compton Verney, Savitsky and the secret hoard of Avant Garde Art, the art, architecture and ideology of the Persian Empire, a walking tour of the Elizabeth Line, the evolution of British Sculpture, a tour of Syon House & Harmondsworth Great Barn, and Oscar Wilde (Famous for Being Famous and Infamous).

Whether you are looking to deepen your knowledge of the arts or simply share a curiosity for beauty, culture and history, there really is something for everyone. We look forward to meeting you!

The Arts Society Henley (TASH).

Chair@TheArtsSocietyHenley.art

The Arts Society Henley (TASH).

Membership@TheArtsSocietyHenley.art

The Arts Society Henley (TASH).

Treasurer@TheArtsSocietyHenley.art

The Arts Society Henley (TASH).

Lectures@TheArtsSocietyHenley.art

The Arts Society Henley (TASH).

Operations@TheArtsSocietyHenley.art

The Arts Society Henley (TASH).

CommunityArts@TheArtsSocietyHenley.art

The Arts Society Henley (TASH).