LAMPS is the Club's long-cherished acronym, denoting the disciplines practised by its professional members and enjoyed by its non-professional membership: Literature, Architecture, Music, Painting and Stage. The LAMPS concept represents a tradition but not a dogma; it changes its dimensions with the changing times. In the Club's terms, the arts include not only the traditional pursuits that have always been associated with the word but also their contemporary, technological applications: photography, commercial illustration, film, stage and TV design, computer graphics, arts administration, experimental music, acting and production for screen and television, journalism, criticism, and advertising.

LITERATURE

For lovers of literature the Club arranges talks by, and discussions with, prominent literary people. The Literary Table meets at noon each Tuesday to hear speakers and discuss writers and writing. Many of our members are authors. Our Library and Archives provide opportunities for concentrated study, and many of our members write for the Club newsletter and produce original plays and sketches for the annual Spring Revue.

ARCHITECTURE

Our architects, urban planners, and interior designers can take part in occasional exhibitions of architectural draughtsmanship, models and renderings. They enjoy the opportunity to exchange ideas with other professionals in their own and other disciplines, and to mingle with members whose business and personal interests relate to architecture and design.

MUSIC

Evening recitals at Monday Club Nights and the Wednesday lunchtime Music Table are regular events on the Club calendar. The Club's choir performs at the Christmas Boar's Head dinner and at our annual general meeting. Composers and singers play an important part in the Spring Revue, while the two Steinway grand pianos in the Great Hall lie in wait for performers, professional and amateur.

PAINTING

Members who draw, paint, sculpt, etch, or photograph find endless opportunity for personal enrichment at The Arts and Letters Club. The walls of the Great Hall and lounge are invariably hung with the works of members or distinguished artists from outside the Club. Exhibited works are usually for sale. Day-long sketching trips are organized several times a year, as well as weekend painting expeditions. A life-drawing group meets regularly, and both the Spring Revue and Boar's Head dinner conscript the talents of designer-members.

STAGE

In the days when most theatre in Canada was amateur, The Arts and Letters Club of Toronto was in the vanguard of theatrical activity, winning awards in local and national drama festivals. This tradition continues on the Club stage, with strong emphasis on original Canadian material. Full-scale performances and play readings are undertaken, theatre nights are held, and a company of 100 or more performers, producers, directors, and stage crew is employed at the Spring Revue.

 

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