The Arts Society West Essex was formed in 1970 (as National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Society) and has grown to a membership of over 280.  With the exception of August, we meet monthly in Theydon Bois Village Hall for lectures about decorative and fine arts, by experts in their fields. These lectures can also be streamed live on Zoom.

In addition, each year we arrange eight or nine visits to destinations as varied as the Cambridge Central Mosque, Bletchley Park, Charterhouse, London livery halls, Angels Costumes as well as virtual walks by Zoom to such destinations as Oslo, Venice, Bath and London locations. 

We organise two Days of Special Interest each year when a subject is studied in depth with three one-hour lectures given by an Arts Society accredited lecturer.  Recent days have looked at subjects as diverse as 20th Century Ceramics and Glass, Colours in the Art of Garden Design and the Art and Music of Ephiphany.  Still to come in 2026 is the Art of Art Deco.

We also offer a four day trip each September to a UK destination, visiting two or three venues of interest each day.  A coach picks up members locally and remains with them for the duration of the stay in a 4-star hotel.

Supporting and fostering a love of the arts is at the heart of the work of The Arts Society. Our guiding principle is to bring art to as wide a group of people as possible, with all the benefits that can give. We help to deliver community projects and also support volunteers making a positive contribution within the Epping Forest area.  Our aim is to encourage people to engage in – and develop a love for – the creative arts.

Volunteering and awarding grants and donations are an important aspect of our work and have a real impact locally.  They are intended to give access to the arts to those who would not normally have such access.  We believe in Arts for All and use our donations to make a positive contribution to people’s lives through the arts.