Amanda Loomes has become the 23rd president of The London Group.
After some understandable delays the presidency of The Group has changed hands . The outgoing president Susan Haire PPLG has been a tireless, enthusiastic, dedicated and inspirational leader of The London Group for 14* years. She retired from the post this month at a marvellous leaving party at the Cello Factory.
Susan was elected a member in 2004 and her leadership skills and qualities were quickly recognised and she became Hon Sec a few months later at the next AGM. Then two years after that she became president, the 22nd of the Group but more importantly the 3rd female president . In 2021 Susan became the longest standing president exceeding Stan Smith’s 14 years and Claude Rogers 13 years. And now Susan has been elected a Life Member.
“From the beginning she had a real vision for the Group and one major ambition was to re-introduce the Open which hadn’t happened for over 10 years……Sure enough 2007 saw the 78th Open at the Menier Gallery.. She raised the Groups profile by artists’ talks salons and concerts, and established The President’s Prize offering 3 artists an exhibition at Cello Factory.”
She will be much missed but we are delighted to introduce our new President Amanda Loomes PLG .
Amanda has been a member of the group since 2008 and a long standing member of the Working Committee where her straight forward and detailed work was appreciated by all. The Group was thoroughly supportive of Amanda’s nomination (she ran unopposed) – and trusting of her to steer the Group through these changing times. She has the full support of the Working Committees who will continue to look for ways to make the job of the president more of a pleasure.
Amanda holds regular exhibitions, including group and solo shows and important commissions. Her latest work was part of groving on the streets of Bury St Edmunds. Groving is an annual event that explores aspects of the town through new works of art placed in public places. Artists are invited to make an artwork in response to a theme, no more than 5cm in any dimension. This year’s theme was Monument. Writers were commissioned to respond to the works and the project was documented each day on the project blog: