Urban & Social: Our First Foray into Walsall’s Ever‑Changing Wonderland
Posted on Jun 28, 2026Yesterday marked the very first outing of the Walsall Society of Artists’ brand‑new Urban & Social (US) group — our merry band of sketchers, painters, photographers, poets, and curious wanderers determined to capture Walsall’s shifting landscape before it shifts again.
We gathered at St Matthew’s Church, armed with sketchbooks, cameras, pens, and the sort of optimism only artists possess when faced with unpredictable weather and even more unpredictable access arrangements.
The Memorial Garden That Nearly Was
We almost made it into the Memorial Garden. Almost.
The man with the key arrived precisely at the moment we were packing up — a comic twist so perfectly timed it felt scripted. But no matter. Artists are resourceful creatures. Give us a wall, a tree, a pigeon, or a suspiciously shaped drainpipe and we’ll make it art.
Sunshine, Breeze, and Busy Pencils
The weather was on our side: sunshine warm enough to lift spirits, breeze cool enough to keep sketchbooks from sticking to foreheads. Around the church, creativity bloomed.
- Pencils scratched away like tiny industrious mice
- Camera lenses clicked in harmony with birdsong and passing traffic
- Conversations with people around the church added a lovely social sparkle, as did the beautiful black cat that came to see what we were doing
- And several of us discovered new obsessions we didn’t know we had
Grotesques, Not Gargoyles — Who Knew?
For me, it was the stone faces on the church walls. I became absolutely fascinated by them — those stern, whimsical, occasionally mischievous expressions carved centuries ago. My research has already taught me something delightfully niche: they’re only gargoyles if they drain water. Otherwise, they’re grotesques.
I feel this is the kind of fact every artist should have ready to whip out at parties.
Between the grotesques and the gravestones, I found myself channelling my inner goth — a mood I fully intend to explore in a short written piece inspired by the day. Walsall’s architecture has layers, and we’re only just beginning to peel them back.
Looking Ahead
Our next US meet‑up is coming in July, and we can’t wait to continue exploring Walsall’s evolving townscape. Keep an eye on member emails and social media for the date, details, and — of course — plenty of piccies from our first adventure.
Walsall is changing, but so are we. And together, we’re capturing it one sketch, snap, scribble, and stanza at a time.
Annie
WSA Secretary
