The Critics’ Circle

Protecting and promoting cultural criticism since 1913

The Critics’ Circle believes impartial, professional criticism of the arts is an essential ingredient of a healthy society. The Circle today has 503 members shared between Theatre (117), Music (91), Film (151), Dance (57), Visual Arts (47) and Books (40). Admission to the Circle is by invitation from the Council.

Each year since 1988, the Circle has presented the Rosebowl for Distinguished Service to the Arts to an artist of conspicuous achievement. In 2019 the members voted for David Hockney and in 2020 for Dame Janet Baker.

The sections make their own awards in ceremonies which are significant social occasions, and hold periodic meetings and lunches to discuss their awards, propose new members, debate current issues and meet artists.

President: Robert Thicknesse
Vice-President: Alex Leith
Hon. General Secretary: Rick Jones criticscircleallsections@gmail.com
Hon. Treasurer: Peter Cargin
Trustees: Ian Herbert, Michael Billington, Peter Cargin

News & reviews

October Art and Architecture Writing & Speaking from the Critics’ Circle

by Tabish Khan | Nov 13, 2023 | Visual Arts

In this post we round up the articles, writing and speaking engagements by members of the visual arts and architecture section of The Critics’ Circle in October

Daniel Barenboim’s Rosebowl Presentation

by Music Editor | Oct 27, 2023 | Awards, Music, Uncategorized

Robert Thicknesse, President of the Critics' Circle, went to Berlin to present Daniel Barenboim KBE with the Circle's 2022 annual award "For Distinguished Service to the Arts". The presentation took place before a concert at the Barenboim-Said Akademie, where students...

The haunting of Philip Guston

by Tabish Khan | Oct 19, 2023 | Visual Arts

By Peter Clossick & Corinna Lotz The Canadian-American-Jewish artist’s development is marked by a feeling of restless change, with the ability to reinvent himself, whilst absorbing a wide range of interests, all with a distinct political edge and sense of...