Who we are
About FoSMAG
We are the Friends of Southampton's Museums, Archives & Galleries (FoSMAG).
We are a charity founded in 1976 with the object of supporting, assisting and promoting Southampton's museums, archives and galleries in co-operation with their managements and staff.
Our constitution defines four main activities in support of our object:
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raising money, and inviting and managing financial contributions to the institutions' projects;
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furthering the institutions' charitable purposes and encouraging the development of their facilities;
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appointing delegates and representatives and subscribing to other bodies with which FoSMAG is concerned;
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engaging in, supporting and co-ordinating research, publishing, education, advertising and other charitable work.
FoSMAG is a Registered Charity, number 274492. We report to the Charity Commission.
In 2023, FoSMAG took charge of funds from the George Dannatt Trust, Registered Charity no. 294103, after it was wound up.
Our Committee
FoSMAG's organising Committee meets bi-monthly. The current members are:
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Tim Craven - Chair
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Deborah Birch - Vice-Chair and Events Secretary
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Nic Boyer - Treasurer
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Matt Tantony - Secretary, Archives & Records Manager
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Jenny Leonard - Membership Secretary & Assistant Newsletter Editor
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Sam Edwards - Newsletter Editor
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Nina Lazarski - Committee Member
The positions of Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer and Secretary are elected at the Annual General Meeting for a period of 1 year.
Our Chair
Tim Craven trained in fine art and conservation. He joined the staff of Southampton City Art Gallery in 1980 and worked there for 37 years at Southampton City Art Gallery, eventually becoming Curator of the Gallery.
Tim is the founder of the Arborealists group of painters.
In 2015 he was invited to join the London Group of artists.
AGM
FoSMAG's Annual General Meeting is held in November. All members are warmly welcome to attend. We provide refreshments!
Members can submit an item for the agenda by contacting the Chair in writing up to 28 days before the scheduled date of the AGM.
Nationwide
FoSMAG is a member of the British Association of Friends of Museums (BAfM).
This national organisation provides support, information and networking for local friends' groups. You can find out more by visiting their website.
FoSMAG is hosting BAfM's annual conference in October 2026.