Welcome

Welcome to the “The Arts Society Topsham”, formerly known as Exe Decorative and Fine Arts Society. (See below for more.). We are based in Topsham and cover the towns and villages on both sides of the Exe estuary south of Exeter. Our purpose is to give our members opportunities to appreciate the arts.

We have a programme of lectures on various aspects of the arts, held monthly on Thursday mornings, from October to June.  The lectures are illustrated and given by experts in their field and all approved by The Arts Society.  These lectures are supplemented by special interest days where we look in greater detail at a particular topic.  Our current programme can be seen here under the banner of “Lectures” on this site.  Here are some comments by members:-

"Very well presented, knowledgeable lecture."

"Lecture delivered with great enthusiasm.  Packed full of interesting facts."

We also arrange visits to places of interest in the south west, (see here for details) and tours further afield, including abroad, which can be seen here.  Alternatively, please go to the relevant banners on this site.

Some of our members take part in activities such as Heritage Volunteering, and Arts Volunteering.  More details are available under the “Volunteering” banner on this site.

In 2017, The national body of NADFAS rebranded as The Arts Society.  Whilst, at that time, we decided to retain our name of ExeDFAS; we have recently reconsidered that decision.  At our AGM in June 2024, members voted to rename the Society as “The Arts Society Topsham”.  It will take some time to make all the necessary changes to bank accounts, logos, websites etc. So, the name “ExeDFAS” will remain in use for a while. Please bear with us as this change gets fully established.  Of course, we are still affiliated to The Arts Society.

We welcome new members at any time, subject to any waiting list.  We invite anyone who is interested to come along to one of our lectures, to see how informative and entertaining they are.  There is no fee for the first visit.  Please contact our Membership Secretary to make the necessary arrangements.  (See "Contact us".)

We are very grateful to artist Ray Balkwill for his permission to use a number of his paintings on this site.