The Wapping Group of Artists

Welcome to the website of one of the longest established societies of working artists in the country.

The Wapping Group of Artists was formally founded in 1946 and initially met to record the busy life of London’s dockland. Since then the Thames, the land either side of it, and the activity related to it have all undergone significant changes. As a result the group now meets to paint at venues anywhere between Henley and the Thames Estuary. Every Wednesday between April and September, whatever the weather, the ‘Wappers’ can be found at a chosen venue rising to the challenge and savouring the pleasures of plein-air painting. This companionable band of just 25 statutory members, all dedicated and capable painters, maintains the original group aims of fellowship and the enthusiastic recording and interpretation of London and the Thames.

On this website you can find more background and history, together with information about the current members and upcoming exhibitions; there is also a selection of images which we hope will give you an insight into the group’s working methods and objectives.

Our new website contains a Links page to the websites of individual members.

News

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Fred Beckett 1933 – 2025

We are very sorry to report the death of Fred Beckett (1933 – 2025) who was a majorfigure in the art world, firstly as Finance Director of Winsor & Newton, then in his own careeras a painter. Fred served a term as President of the ROI and was a member of the RSMAand Hon. Member […]

Steven Alexander (1951 – 2025)

We are very sorry to record the passing of Steven Alexander (1951 – 2025), who was elected a Member in 2006, and served as Secretary from 2008 until 2015.  Steve, who comes from a family of artists but who first made his own career as a highly successful head of the Spanish Department at Hampton […]

A new art exhibition, ‘Afloat or Ashore’

A new art exhibition, ‘Afloat or Ashore’, opens at Exeter Custom House on 12th April 2025. This exhibition showcases the winning and best entries from last year’s art competition of the same name, and celebrates historic vessels from around the UK. The competition and exhibition are a partnership between the Royal Society of Marine Artists, the […]

Afloat and Ashore Competition

Afloat and Ashore is a joint venture between National Historic Ships, the RSMA and the Wapping Group. It is open to all artists, with details below.

New members!

Congratulations to Max White and Tushar Sabale for being elected full members of the group.

‘New candidate’

“ Congratulations to Paula Mitchell who has been elected as a candidate of The Wapping Group of Artists.  We wish her a successful painting year.”

An ideal artists present!

The Wapping Group’s 75th Anniversary Book “A Changing View”, makes an ideal present. Ninety six pages packed with images from Present and Past members, plus a history of one of the oldest-established groups of artists working plein air in this country. Our pre- Christmas offer of £22.50 plus postage has been very well received, but […]

The Wapping Group slipcase book: A real collector’s item

The long-awaited slipcase edition of the Wapping Group’s book, “A Changing View” is now available. This is a book for the collector. Until now available only to members of the Group, there are just 28 copies remaining. Each copy is signed by all the members of the Group, and is numbered in a limited edition of 75, commemorating […]

In tribute to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

In tribute to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Wapping Group of Artists offers this image, one of its members’ paintings of Windsor Castle, a favourite location for the Group.

‘Welcome to our newest member!’

The new President Geoff Hunt welcomes Louise Diggle, the newest member of the Wapping group. Lou was elected to Full Member at the Annual General Meeting yesterday. Really well done and many congratulations Lou.