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WELCOME TO THE ARTS SOCIETY HARPENDEN AREA (TASHA)

Our aim is to promote the knowledge, appreciation and enjoyment of the arts through a stimulating programme of lectures. Our speakers are all knowledgeable and expert in their field.

We are a friendly, thriving society and welcome new members. The society is one of over 300 societies in the UK and abroad affiliated to The Arts Society, which has 64,000 members world wide. 

If you would like to join us, click here for more information.


Website Photos of Harpenden by Brian Cooke (Harpenden Photographic Society)


LATEST NEWS

JULY'S LECTURE @ THE ERIC MORECAMBE CENTRE
Thursday 13th July 2026

This month's lecture is entitled 'A Boy from Lowestoft - The Life and Works of Benjamin Britten'.

Non-members are welcome to join us. We look forward to seeing members and guests alike!

Click here for more details.


THIS MONTH'S LECTURE @ THE ERIC MORECAMBE CENTRE
18th June 2026

This month's lecture is entitled '‘Les Trois Grandes Dames’ of Impressionism: Marie Bracquemond, Mary Cassatt and Berthe Morisot'.

Non-members are welcome to join us. We look forward to seeing members and guests alike!

Click here for more details.


TASHE VISIT TO ANGLESEY ABBEY
3rd June 2026

TASHE are running a coach trip to Anglesey Abbey (NT); we are invited!

Click here for more details.


THIS MONTH'S LECTURE @ THE ERIC MORECAMBE CENTRE
26th March 2026

This month's lecture is entitled 'The Century of Gold: Spanish Art in the age of Velázquez'. Non-members are welcome to join us. We look forward to seeing members and guests alike!

Click here for more details.


MEMBERSHIP OPEN FOR 2026-27
13th February 2026

TASHA membership is now open for new and existing members for the year commencing April.

Click here for more details.

 


FREE FEBRUARY CONFIRMED
20th November 2025

Our lecture on 19th February 2026 will be free for all Guests. We hope that this  'taster' will encourage new members to join for next year!

Click here for more details.


THIS MONTH'S LECTURE @ THE ERIC MORECAMBE CENTRE
20th November 2025

This month's lecture is entitled 'The Subtle Science and Exact Art of Colour in English garden design - why gardening can rank as a fine art'. We'll follow the lecture with mulled wine and mince pies (free-from alternatives available). Hopefully you will be able to join us!

Click here for more details.


NEW GIFT SUBSCRIPTION SCHEME LAUNCHED
15th November 2025

Unsure what to buy - or to ask for - as a present? TASHA has launched a gift subscription scheme. Click here to purchase


THIS MONTH'S LECTURE @ THE ERIC MORECAMBE CENTRE
16th October 2025

This month's lecture is entitled 'Between Angels and Devils: Botticelli and Renaissance Florence'; hopefully you will be able to join us!

Click here for more details.


CAR SHARING SCHEME FOR LECTURES
18th July 2025

Unable easily to get to our lectures? We operate a car-sharing scheme for members to lift share. 

Click here to ask for a lift to the next lecture (or indeed to offer a lift to another member living locally to you).


THIS WEEK'S LECTURE @ THE ERIC MORECAMBE CENTRE
17th July 2025

This week's lecture is entitled 'London Bridged - 3,500 years of crossing the Thames'; hopefully you will be able to join us!

Click here for more details.


NEXT LECTURE @ THE ERIC MORECAMBE CENTRE
19th June 2025

Our next lecture has the intriguing title 'Selfies, Self-Expression, Celebrity & the Victorian Carte de Visite'; hopefully you will be able to join us. 

Click here for more details.


MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL FOR 2025-26 NOW AVAILABLE
17th February 2025

Members can now renew - and newcomers join - for the year starting 1st April.

Click here for more details.


FREE TASTER SESSION
Thursday 13th February

Please join us at our February lecture when guests can come for free!

Click here for details of the lecture and to book.

We hope to see you! 


NEW: ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM for Guests

Guests may now book online for our monthly lectures 30 days before each lecture. Use the link on the Lectures page; click here


SYON HOUSE COACH TRIP 18th September 2024

LATE AVAILABILITY!

See our Visits page for more details


HISTORIC BUILDINGS MYTHBUSTING STUDY MORNING 31st October 2024

Join James Wright to explore myths and local legends surrounding some of our ancient buildings.

See our Special Interests page for more details.


HERITAGE OPEN DAY at LUTON HOO WALLED GARDEN 11th September 2024

Luton Hoo will be open on 11th September as part of the Heritage Open Days scheme.

See the Special Interests page for more details


SYON HOUSE COACH TRIP 18th September 2024

We have arranged a coach trip to Syon House, home of the Percy family for over 400 years. The house contains splendid Robert Adam interiors and is set in a Capability Brown landscape with views stretching across the Thames towards Kew Gardens.

See our Visits page for more details


JOHN SINGER SARGENT SPECIAL INTEREST DAY at TATE BRITAIN 5th June 2024

Join us for an introductory lecture with Valerie Woodgate followed by a timed visit to the exhibition. Includes coffee and buffet lunch.

Click here for details of this and other special events


LUTON HOO WALLED GARDEN - PLAQUE UNVEILING, GUIDED TOUR AND TEA 22nd May 2024

Special event to recognise TASHA's voulunteers at the Walled Garden.

Click here for details of this and other special events


LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY OPEN DAY 20th APRIL 2024 

TASHA will be participating on the Harpenden History Society Open Day on Saturday 20th April 2024.

Click here to access our News page for more details.


HARPENDEN TRUST SENIORS' FAIR 10th APRIL 2024

TASHA will be participating on the Harpenden History Society Open Day on 10th April 2024.

Click here to access our News page for more details.





WHAT'S COMING UP

Thursday 17 September 2026
Lecture
A king's favourite who amassed a great art collection

Lucy Hughes-Hallett
90

Thursday 15 October 2026
Lecture
The Geology of the Crown Jewels

Aaron Hunter
91

Thursday 19 November 2026
Lecture
The Curious history of Christmas Food

Peter Ross
92