New Ashgate Gallery champions the best of contemporary art and craft providing an unparalleled resource in Farnham, Surrey and beyond
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New season of exhibitions and events
Known for selecting art and craft of the highest quality, the gallery team has handpicked artists from across the UK. Our exhibitions present glass, ceramics, jewellery, sculpture, print and painting.
Rising Stars 2022: The Catalogue
Surrey Artist of the Year 2021
We curate a programme of 25 annual exhibitions and events, working in partnership with local and national organisations. Visit us for exhibitions in the Pavilion, Balcony and Maker in Focus Galleries & enjoy the affordable Craft Collection, perfect for unique gifts.
Donna Barry, Green Orchid, Stacey Bentley Photography
30 April to 27 August 2022
Summer Craft Collection 2022: Craft with Local Heart
The Summer Craft Collection presents a curated range of unique, local and nationally renowned craft. Treat yourself to something new for your home or buy gifts for your loved ones. Pop in, browse and shop away from the crowds. You'll be supporting a local gallery and small creative artist businesses if you do, as well as finding something special.
We are delighted present a new collection of:
Ceramics by: Cressida Borrett, Laura De Benedetti, Rebecca Ridley, Helen Rondell and Lesley Nason.
Jewellery by: Donna Barry, Rebecca Burt, Elizabeth Chamberlain, EM Jewellery and M. Kala.
Textiles by: Bonita Ahuja, Eve Campbell and Jennie Jackson.
Jane Muir, Bird-head, coloured trees
30 July to 17 September 2022
Jane Muir: Maker in Focus
Jane Muir's ceramics are filled with an eccentric humour. They are made with a sensitive human touch that speaks to the viewer, who at once recognises something, or someone in each one. The gentle colours of her glazes allow the rough texture of the clay to shine through, lending a soft, chalky quality to her work. The sculptures themselves are whimsical and border on the absurd or surreal. Birds perch on heads, flowers bloom from shoulders. Other, smaller figures are collected together in boxes, smiling serenely. Her subject matter ranges from large scale figures and animals to tiny birds. Her work offers an uncomplicated and idiosyncratic view of the world.
The Little Ladies and Little Men series began life as a way for Jane to test colours out for larger pieces. But, like lots of experiments in the studio, they soon began to become pieces of work in their own right. Jane is experimental in her approach to colour mixing and this is reflected in the expressive feel of each piece which often includes numerous textured surfaces and glazes.
Jane Muir graduated from the Royal College of Art in 1992, and has been a full time ceramicist since then. Her work has been shown throughout Europe, the United States and Japan, as well as throughout the UK. She lives and works from her studio in Peckham, South London. Jane Muir is one of the long standing favourites by New Ashgate's visitors and clients.
Fiona Pearce
30 July to 17 September 2022
Fiona Pearce: Artist in Focus
Meet & Greet with Fiona on Saturday 10th September, 3-4 - all welcome
"Fiona Pearce portrays local landscape like no other. The vibrant energy of her paintings transforms any space. They are your perfect painting at home."
In this exhibition, we are delighted to introduce Fiona's new technique that pioneers the language of landscape painting in the 21st century.
Fiona's innovative collection of paintings was initially crafted on the iPad, breaking the imagery down into shapes, with the composition being key, and taking time over the palette combinations. When Fiona is happy with the result, she applies layers of paint, mixing the palette on the canvas with as broad a brush stroke as possible. This produces Fiona's signature style: the vibrant landscape that she refers as "organised chaos and energy". The further painting process includes the application of trees, which brings a sense of order and balance to the painting, making them so distinctly unique and recognisable as "Fiona Pearce paintings".
Janine Partington, The Way Through, vitreous enamel on copper
Hillside VIII, hand carved leather, acrylic paint
30 July to 17 September 2022
Janine Partington: Enamels, Leather, Paintings
We are delighted to welcome back Janine Partington for her major retrospective exhibition. In 2021, as Janine approached her 50th birthday, she decided to explore painting as a medium. Alongside her much-loved enamels and critically celebrated leather panels, this exhibition is the first time Janine will be showing some of her paintings.
Janine has been making things her whole life. Growing up Janine's artist father occupied the ground floor of their home with his painting studio, but her 'teenage rebellion' meant she never considered art as a career. However, after the birth of her second child in 2002, and then in her thirties, Janine began adult education evening classes in Bristol studying enamelling and selling her work. Janine became a full-time creative in 2006.
In 2015 Janine began an MA in Design at UWE, Bristol. Her degree show consisted of a series of carved and painted leather panels. Janine now creates leather panels alongside her enamelling practice. The work that she creates in leather is more personal. This has included responses to her father's Alzheimer's and death that was exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery as part of the Crafts Council's 'Collect Open' programme in 2019, and more recently a response to her mother's life, ill health and death.
Janine does also create one off smaller pieces in leather that often reflect her own personal emotional temperature through explorations of the natural world.
In 2021, as Janine approached her 50th birthday, she decided to explore painting as a medium. Janine had been reluctant to pick up a paintbrush as she saw her father as being what a painter could and should be, but there had always been a desire to layer and play with colours and forms and paint allows Janine to do this.
Whilst Janine is showing three seemingly distinct media, all take inspiration from nature, even in her more abstracted works. They also share a desire to create clean and defined lines, marks and shapes. Even in the more freestyle works in leather and paint there is an order and pattern to the work that hopefully brings balance.
Simon Bird, The Dreaming Tree
6 to 20 August 2022
Simon Bird: Echoes: Intuitive Abstraction
Through sketches, drawings, writing and larger finished paintings, Simon Bird explores the emotions and memories triggered by the countryside of his native Surrey.
'Surrey's woods and heaths are 'romantic' places for me and a constant source of inspiration', he says. 'I record the things I see and sense and hear; and in the process the past resurfaces, conflated with the immediate emotion of the present and the complexities of knowledge and understanding that bridge the two.
Simon says: My paintings then emerge; fanciful for sure; rooted in wonder; but very real for me: intuitive expressions of all the things that captured my imagination as a child, and which still engage me deeply now.
Jessica Stroud, The Surrey Artist of the Year
7 August to 4 September 2022
Fused Glass Light Catcher with Jessica Stroud, The Surrey Artist of the Year
Family Drop-In Crafts
Sundays 7 August and 4 September, 3-5
Gostrey Meadow
Free, no booking is required
Join us for a fun and skill developing hands-on workshop with an introduction to the art of glass fusing. You will be making your own Rainbow Fused Light Catcher. All glass will be supplied, no previous experience necessary.
Jessica Stroud is a local stained-glass artist and has a passion for the transmitted light and colours of mouth blown glass and uses it when creating her own work. The natural world, especially her garden and the wildlife that visits, and our rich heritage of stained-glass windows, are an enduring inspiration. Jessica uses traditional techniques to make her panels, the origins of which go back as early as the 7th Century. Jessica is a member of the British Society of Master Glass Painters and The Surrey Artist of the Year.
The workshop is supported by Farnham South Street Trust.
Lara Scobie ceramics
3 September to 5 November 2022
Autumn Craft Collection 2022: Craft with Local Heart
The Autumn Craft Collection presents a curated range of unique, local and nationally renowned craft. Treat yourself to something new for your home or buy gifts for your loved ones. Pop in, browse and shop away from the crowds. You'll be supporting a local gallery and small creative artist businesses if you do, as well as finding something special.
We are delighted present a new collection of:
Ceramics by: Jack Doherty, Mirka Golden Hann, Abi Higgins, Lesley Nason, John Pollex, Lara Scobie and Katie Smith.
Jewellery by: Kate Bajic, Shimara Carlow, Caroline Finlay, Jodie Hook, Anna Pope and Yeun Jewellery
Textiles by: Ruby Kite, Judith Watson and Valerie Wartelle
Glass by: Gemma Hollis, Wendy Newhofer, Amelia Skachill Burke and Elizabeth Welch.
Jessica Stroud, Robin in the Apple Tree, 38cm x 38cm in light box
24 September to 5 November 2022
Jessica Stroud: Two Hedges | The Surrey Artist of the Year 2021
For more than 20 years, Jessica Stroud has been working with stained glass. She designs and makes original and unique pieces, from small decorative items and commemorative panels and hangings to window and door panels.
Ever since Jessica can remember, she has been fascinated by and attracted to glass and the medium is one where her passion for art, light and colour come together. She is inspired by woodcuts, linocuts, painting and nature and is lucky enough to live next to a river where she spots passing wildlife. Jessica's garden is bordered by two hedges, which are alive with wildlife.
This exhibition combines Jessica's love of nature and her skill of traditional Arts and Crafts stained glass. Jessica was delighted to win Surrey Artist of the Year 2021, which has given her the opportunity to put together this showcase of new work.
24 September to 5 November 2022
Surrey Artist of the Year 2022
Come and vote for your favourite Surrey artist and support the local talent with us.
The Surrey Artist of the Year competition is a partnership between the New Ashgate and the Surrey Artists Open Studios to celebrate the wealth of creative talent in Surrey. Starting in 2009; this aspirational exhibition offers a collective of local quality arts and craft as voted for by the public during open studio visits. The top scoring artists come together for a programme of events. There is a wide variety of artworks on show, including different materials and techniques such as painting, glass, textiles, ceramics, collage / assemblage book and paper art.
The shortlisted artists and makers are: Cathy Brett, Jane Browne, Eli D., Grace Ellen, Emma Godden, Keira Graham, Luke Adam Hawker, Hue and Bristle, Denise Jaques, David Johns, Sophie Kathleen, Faye Mayo, Vicky O'Leary, Jo Olney, Esther Pritchard, Laura Ritchie, Louise Rowe, Lindsey Southworth, Dawn Thornhill and Angie Wallace.
during the exhibition, until 14th October, 12noon, members of the public are encouraged to vote for an artist; and the artist with the most votes from public and judging panel, is named Surrey Artist of the Year 2022. The winner receives a bursary of £1,000, a solo show at the New Ashgate Gallery and a complementary Winner's Stand at the Surrey Contemporary Art Fair.
The season includes workshops for adults, families and artists - please contact us for information.
The competition is organised by New Ashgate Gallery in partnership with the Surrey Open Studios. It is supported by the Contemporary Art Fairs. The Surrey Life magazine, which has a monthly section dedicated to the local art scene, is the official media partner of the competition.
#SAOY2022
Linda Miller, The Gardener's Friend
24 September to 5 November 2022
Linda Miller: Telling Tales
Linda spent her childhood drawing, making things, and learning how to use a hand cranked sewing machine; the rhythm of its stitching mesmerised her. Growing up in historical Hastings she became intrigued by the Bayeux Tapestry and the story it had to tell in stitch. Since graduating from Winchester School of Art over thirty years ago she has combined both her love of drawing and machine stitching to make machine embroideries often set in the outdoors and always with a story to tell, though the subject and the narrative thread is left to the viewer's imagination.
Linda gathers inspiration from the world around her. Through her unique style, she creates colourful, naïve narratives that explore the relationship between people and animals.
New Ashgate team selected Linda as the Ashgate Winner, the Festival of Crafts 2021 at the Farnham Maltings. Our team loves Linda's skill of making and the playful work that she creates. This solo exhibition is the Prize for the award.
10 October 2022
Introduction to Glass Fusing with Jessica Stroud: Workshop for adults with The Surrey Artist of the Year
New Ashgate Gallery, 10 October, 10-1.30
Suitable for everyone aged 16 or over
Admission by donation: booking required: EventBrite
Max. 8 participants
The workshops participants will learn how to cut glass and a basic introduction to glass fusing.
We will make a 15cm x 15cm fused glass picture tile which can be framed or displayed on an oak stand. All materials supplied and no experience necessary. Tiles will need to be collected from the Gallery after fusing.
Jessica Stroud is a local stained-glass artist and has a passion for the transmitted light and colours of mouth blown glass and uses it when creating her own work. The natural world, especially her garden and the wildlife that visits, and our rich heritage of stained-glass windows, are an enduring inspiration. Jessica uses traditional techniques to make her panels, the origins of which go back as early as the 7th Century. Jessica is a member of the British Society of Master Glass Painters and The Surrey Artist of the Year.
The workshop is supported by the Farnham South Street Trust and it is part of our Craft Month celebrations.
24 October 2022
HALF-TERM FAMILY CRAFTS: Fabric Applique Workshop for Children with artist Linda Miller
New Ashgate Gallery, 24 October, 10-11.30
Suitable for children aged 7-14
Free admission, max. 10 participants
Booking required: EventBrite
Using a selection of colorful fabrics transform your own drawing into a stunning picture of fabric and stitch. Learn a few fancy hand stitches to embellish and finish off your unique picture ready to be hung on your bedroom wall or to be sewn on your favorite item of clothing. Why not add a splash of bling with some buttons, beads, and sequins!
For the past 28 years Linda Miller has been making one-off, framed and unframed machine embroideries using an industrial Bernina 950 sewing machine and her work is exhibited throughout the UK, Europe and the USA. She has pieces held in the Southern Arts collection and within the permanent textile and dress collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
The craft activity is supported by the Farnham Town Council.
24 October 2022
Machine Embroidery Workshop for adults with artist Linda Miller at New Ashgate Gallery
Suitable for the beginners & more experienced stitchers
New Ashgate Gallery, 24 October, 12.30-3.30
Booking required - admission by donation: EventBrite
Max. 10 participants
Working with a sumptuous array of threads discover how to use your sewing machine as a drawing and painting tool and experience the delight of sewing to create a picture taken from your own original idea. Bring with you a photograph, picture or drawing which inspires you and translate it into a picture of stitches.
For the past 28 years Linda Miller has been making one-off, framed and unframed machine embroideries using an industrial Bernina 950 sewing machine and her work is exhibited throughout the UK, Europe and the USA. She has pieces held in the Southern Arts collection and within the permanent textile and dress collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
The craft activity is supported by the Farnham Town Council.
25 October 2022
HALF-TERM FAMILY CRAFTS: Fun Fused Glass Workshop for Children with Jessica Stroud, The Surrey Artist of the Year
New Ashgate Gallery, 25 October, 10-11.30
Suitable for children, aged 8 - 13
Max. 8 participants - free admission
Booking required: EventBrite
Get creative and have fun making a rainbow fused glass light catcher or a fused glass picture tile. The participants will need to collect their artwork from the gallery after fusing.
All materials will be supplied and no previous knowledge of crafts is required.
Jessica Stroud is a local stained-glass artist and has a passion for the transmitted light and colours of mouth blown glass and uses it when creating her own work. The natural world, especially her garden and the wildlife that visits, and our rich heritage of stained-glass windows, are an enduring inspiration. Jessica uses traditional techniques to make her panels, the origins of which go back as early as the 7th Century. Jessica is a member of the British Society of Master Glass Painters and The Surrey Artist of the Year.
The workshop is supported by the Farnham South Street Trust and it is part of our Craft Month celebrations.
Pete Jackman, Dungeness Red Container
14 January to 4 March 2023
Pete Jackman: Strand-Lines
Pete Jackman's works are inspired by the shoreline, an environment which is constantly in a state of transition between land and sea - air and water. A harsh environment where items can arrive intentionally or accidentally, and are reworked, relocated, and degraded by the extreme conditions.
This work is Pete's interpretation and reactions to objects and forms within this landscape: buildings, containers, driftwood, redundant fishing equipment and strandline litter.
Through stages of painting and reworking the representation changes to be more abstract as the work evolves, becoming its own reference, where the original subject may just be present in a particular shape, texture or colour.
The works are created with layers of paint, sometimes mixed with natural materials from the location. These layers are often cut back to expose earlier marks, with further overpainting and glazing to create a more complex surface.
The inspiration for this exhibition has come from visits to North Norfolk, Dungeness in Kent and the Inner Hebrides.
