Contemporary Miniature Art: The Hilliard Society of Miniaturists

Hilliard Society of Miniaturists

Hilliard Society logo

Hilliard Society of Miniaturists - President's badge of office. Created by Gillie Hoyte Byrom (enamellist) and Hugh Stevenson (goldsmith). Photo courtesy Alan Cooper

President: Paddy Davison
Vice-President: Heather O. Catchpole PPHS
Secretary: Heather Webb

The Hilliard Society was formed by Sue Burton and miniaturist Rosalind Pierson. The inaugural exhibition was held in May 1982. Celebrations for the 20th Anniversary were held in June 2002.

There were at that time only two British societies for contemporary miniaturists – the London based Royal Society of Miniature Painters Sculptors and Gravers (RMS) and the Society of Miniaturists, (now merged with the British Watercolour Society). The Hilliard Society, formed with the idea of offering an alternative for the rest of the country, now has an international membership of around 300. Based in the Southwest of England it was appropriate that this society be named after Nicholas Hilliard, the great Elizabethan miniaturist born in Exeter.

The declared aim of the society was to encourage greater recognition of this art form with an appreciation of its history and of its contemporary development and to bring it to the wider attention of all artists and to the public.

The Hilliard Society is a founder member of the World Federation of Miniaturists

Hilliard Society Council

Hilliard Society Council

The society is run by a council of approximately 14 elected members and is governed by a constitution. President and council are elected for two years but may stand for re-election. The council meets formally twice a year and informal discussions take place regularly.

Exhibition and AGM

The society undertakes to hold one exhibition each year in Wells. Other exhibitions are arranged as and where possible. The exhibition is for Hilliard Society members only and a commission of 30% is charged on sales.

The Annual General Meeting is usually arranged to coincide with the exhibition. Members are invited to submit ideas for inclusion on the Agenda. Voting for President and council is included where appropriate. The Society’s Constitution may only be amended by approval at the AGM.

Social Events

‘The Hilliard’ is a very sociable and friendly society. Several social events are always planned for the opening weekend of the exhibition. A formal dinner is held following the Private View. The awards lunch, for members and their guests, is more informal and always very well attended.

Selection Advice

If you are unsure as to whether your work is likely to be suitable for selection, we offer the opportunity for artists to contact us for pre-selection advice throughout the year. Please contact the office for details.

Click here for Hilliard selection criteria.

Society visits to view fine collections and galleries are occasionally arranged. .

Teachers

The society also has members who lecture and who teach.

All members receive a twice yearly newsletter keeping them in touch with one another, with other societies world-wide and with ‘miniature news‘ in general. It normally includes a comprehensive technical section with up-to-date information.

Published in Spring and Autumn this twelve page Newsletter encourages queries and comments between members on subjects both specific and general, ranging from the execution of miniature painting to worldwide news of relevance. This lively and interesting publication serves as an important link between the members themselves, the council and the membership. You can download a sample newsletter HERE
For the free Adobe reader for pdf files, go to:

Typical contents include:
* President’s Letter * Members’ Awards and News * Articles *. Topical Tips * Historical Information * Technical Section * Web News * Media Report * World-wide exhibition information and diary.

Some articles and technical reports in recent editions:* Pricing Miniatures * Mammoth Ivory * Workshops * What did Nelson look like? * Adventures of Hamza * Bookplates Engraved on Copper * Art & Defective Sight * Portrait Miniature in Vitreous Enamel * Mirrors & Magnification * The Tagua Nut or Palm Ivory * Computers for publicity * Bases * Pastels * Applying Gold Leaf.

Membership

NB: We are able to accept only sterling cheques, debit or credit cards in payment of fees. Prospective members MUST have either a sterling bank account, or a MAESTRO or SWTICH debit card, or a VISA or MASTERCARD credit card.

Artists, collectors and enthusiasts are all welcomed as members.
New artists are encouraged to submit work and can be helped and advised with matters concerning technique etc.
Members may be Patron/Friend Members or Exhibiting Members.
Currently there is no limit on the number of works which may be submitted.

HS qualification

All artists having three or more works selected for exhibition on two consecutive years are entitled to use the initials HS after their names, acknowledgement of their ability (of interest to both collectors and their peers) to show a consistently high standard of work.
This respected qualification is awarded on merit.
HS qualified artists are eligible to have work displayed on the Hilliard Society Website:www.art-in-miniature.org

Entry forms and information will be sent to members at the appropriate time.
If work is accepted it is then necessary to become a Full Exhibiting Member to submit work for future exhibitions.

Membership fees

Full Exhibiting Member – both UK and overseas artists who wish to submit works for future exhibitions £40. Entry fees are £6 per item
Full Exhibiting Member [Artists under 21 years] – £20. Entry fees are £3 per item
Friend Member - patrons of the society, collectors of miniatures and artists who, though no longer painting, wish to remain members. Fees for first and subsequent years: UK £25 Overseas £30.

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How to join

If you wish to become a Full or Friend Member, you may join HERE

The Hilliard Society
Priory Lodge
7, Priory Road
Wells, Somerset BA5 1SR, UK
Tel/fax: +44 1749 674472
e-mail: hilliardsociety@aol.com

The Society is a Founder Member of the World Federation of Miniaturists.

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