Its members, inspired by Wharfedale’s striking landscape, have been putting brush to canvas for more than 60 years.

But a combination of falling numbers and rising costs means Otley Arts Club’s next annual meeting could be its last.

Once boasting a membership of more than 150, the club now only has a handful of supporters, and secretary Ted Woolley fears it will be forced to fold unless there is a swift injection of new blood.

He said: “I am afraid the club is on its last legs as our numbers are dropping towards single figures, just as the room hire has doubled. We will continue until the end of June but after that will depend on the outcome of the meeting.

“We have some very enthusiastic members but we need an influx of new people. They need not be experts in oils or watercolours, just interested in art.

“We aim to have six speakers at a cost of about £350 each year, but costs are rising, with the result that the club is no longer viable.

“Our fees are £25 a year but, as we do not offer any tuition, it will be difficult and counter-productive to increase that. We have been holding two exhibitions a year, but these do not result in much revenue.”

Established in 1947, the club’s first base was at West Terrace, Beech Hill. Its first president, Major Le Gendre George William Horton-Fawkes, of Farnley Hall, addressed its inaugural exhibition with these words: “I have inherited the works of the great artists.

“You have inherited the talent of the artist. You are immeasurably the richer.”

The club later moved to the Old Grammar School – where it holds summer and autumn exhibitions – and then the Civic Centre, and is currently based at the Old People’s Welfare Centre.

Mr Woolley is convinced the group could still have a bright future if it simply got more support.

He said: “We have some interesting topics coming up – the Bellman is to sit for a portrait and we have the artist and art teacher, Jeremy Taylor, coming on Wednesday, April 20.”

“And Otley Town Council has asked us to participate in an attraction for tourism called Montmartre In The Market, when we hope to have members painting and showing our work. But again it will depend on the AGM.”

To find out more, contact Mr Woolley on (01943) 461145.