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.
We curate a programme of 25 annual exhibitions and events, working in partnership with local and national organisations. Visit us to view free exhibitions in the Pavilion, Balcony and Maker in Focus Galleries & enjoy the affodable Craft Collection, perfect for unique gifts.
Explore our curated online shop.
Dagmar Korecki, Stack of Rings
12 September to 7 November 2020
Autumn Craft Collection: Crafts with the Local Heart
Our specially selected collection of ceramics, jewellery, textiles and glass: all items are beautifully hand-crafted by some of the UK's most talented designer-makers: they are perfect pieces for any home or to give as beautiful gifts if you can bear to part with them!
The makers include: Richard Baxter, Ellul Ceramics, EM Jewellery, Georgia Gardiner, Diane Griffin, Jaroslav Hrustalenko, Mara Irsara, Judeworks, Katherine Kingdon, Dagmar Korecki, Judy Mackenzie, Jane Muir, Bérangère Noyau, Sarah Packington, Silvia K. Ceramics, Janine Partington (enamelled work), Mitch Pilkington, Laura Plant, Miranda Peckitt, Jacqui Ramrayka, Helen Rondell, Tiffany Scull, Carolyn Tripp, Vezzini & Chen and Machi De Waard.
John Bryce, Old Borelli's Yard
12 September to 7 November 2020
Painting Farnham
The Painting Farnham season celebrates Farnham, the historic market town and the Craft Town with a World Craft City stutus, nestled in the rolling Surrey Hills.
The exhibition showcases new paintings and limited edition printwork by artists John Bryce, Jan Gaska, Susie Lidstone, Alison Orchard, Catherine Warren and Suzanne Winn, including both landscapes as well as historic town views of Farnham and the surrounding local areas.
Fiona Pearce, Allsorts, 100 x 120cm
12 September to 7 November 2020
Fiona Pearce: Painting Farnham
The lead artist of our Painting Farnham season is Fiona Pearce whose work in the Foyer Gallery features her much loved Farnham landscapes, often depicting a unique but recognisable view of the Bourne Woods.
Born in Guildford, Fiona studied Art at what was then known as the West Surrey College of Art and Design here in Farnham. She works mainly in acrylic, applying thick layers with credit cards, fingers and occasionally a brush from her studio in Upper Farringdon.
Fiona's work is inspired by the beautiful local countryside where she walks daily with her dog. Her love of colours and use of space on the canvas is what excites her the most about painting.
Fiona's goal is to make her paintings come alive, using colours that bring her energy on to the canvas. She sees the world in a geometric format, breaking down images into shapes before translating that on to canvas.
David Mayne, The Farnham Sculpture, maquette
26 September to 7 November 2020
Craft Town Public Art Commission: David Mayne: The Farnham Sculpture
In October, we invite you to join us for the launch of the Farnham Sculpture, the new public art commission in Waggon Yard that celebrates the Craft Town Farnham.
Proposals were invited in 2019 for a public sculpture that is inspired by the heritage and tradition of crafts in Farnham practised in the area during the Roman period: the district was known as a pottery centre due to its supply of gault clay, oak woodland for fuel and good communication links. Kilns dating as far as AD 100 have been found in the area. Today, Farnham hosts a remarkable number of craft institutions and makers. The sculpture aims to enhance the public knowledge and understanding of the heritage while bringing pleasure to the community and visitors alike.
In early 2020, the local community voted to choose from three shortlisted proposals. David Mayne was awarded the Craft Town Public Art Commission. David's Farnham Sculpture received 58% of the public vote.
The Farnham Sculpture celebrates the oak tree - something which was abundant in the area while also links to the history and heritage of Farnham. The sculptures will be fabricated from steel, bronze and oak, after the bronze acorn is first modelled in clay. Imagery refers to the oak forests that surrounded Farnham. The project involves schools and the community in the design for a sense of shared ownership with the local community in the final artwork.
David Mayne is a sculptor of national repute who produces work for galleries, public spaces and the domestic environment. His artwork has been commissioned throughout the country and can be found in town centres, rural locations, public buildings and private homes and gardens. Over the past 30 years, David has developed his work from raw assemblage with found objects to the much more refined pieces he now creates.
David's interior sculpture will be showcased for a simultaneous special exhibition from 27 September to 7 November. See the link below for the work in the exhibition.
Shelby Fitzpatrick, 3-strand Perspex hexagon necklace blue violet azure
26 September to 7 November 2020
Celebrating 45 years of the Designer Jewellers' Group
Traditional craftsmanship and cutting edge design at its best, the Designer Jewellers' Group will be celebrating their 45th anniversary at the New Ashgate Gallery in September.
Featuring new collections from the fourteen members, various influences are apparent in the diverse and exciting jewellery on show. From the Bauhaus inspired designs of Petra Bishai, and Emma Farquharson to the naturalistic influences apparent in the work of Annie Ruthven-Taggart and Christina Hirst. Etching and paper pressing feature in the patterned surfaces of Jill Newbrook and Georgina Taylor and vibrant colour from Ute Sanne and Harriet St Leger using rich gold, stones and enamel. Plastic as a precious material inspires Shelby Fitzpatrick and Sarah Macrae and Ulli Kaiser incorporating unusual materials such as antique beads, fur and paper.
History of the Designer Jewellers' Group
The Designer Jewellers' Group started in 1976 between a small group of jewellers eager to showcase and market original work and to promote the best of studio jewellery to the public. Back then there were few outlets for contemporary jewellery and the group were the first group to show at the Goldsmiths Fair in 1977. All members of the Group work for the mutual benefit of the whole, as well as each member having an individual approach to design and their own original creative 'voice'.
Since the creation of the group exhibitions have taken place worldwide, including at the Goldsmiths' Centre, Liberty's, Harvey Nichols, the Cecilia Colman gallery and internationally in Japan, Dubai and the USA. Starting in 1984, a collaboration between the DJG and the Barbican Arts Centre developed into a regular and very popular bi-annual event, continuing for 32 years until 2016. Recently the group can be found at Christmas at the home of the London Livery Company, The Worshipful Company of Salters in London.
Chickpea textiles
26 September to 7 November 2020
Harriett Grist & Chickpea Textiles: The Festival of Crafts 2019 winner
Chickpea by Harriett Grist presents a range of handmade knitted products including, cushions, purses, and home accessories. All her products are designed and produced in the UK using high quality lambswool yarn for a soft and luxury feel.
Harriett was selected as the New Ashgate Gallery winner in the Festival of Crafts, the Farnham Maltings in October 2019 as a new star talent.
5 October 2020
Mindful Stitch: A zoom workshop with Ekta Kaul - open to beginners & experienced embroiderers - NOW FULLY BOOKED
Monday 5 October, 10am-1pm, a zoom workshop.
Donations / free - booking is required. The bookings close on 28 September. Max. 10 participants.
In our current times when social distancing is the new normal, stitch has proved to be a sanctuary for many. The gentle rhythm of needle and thread soothes inner turmoil, creates a space for creative expression and enhances wellbeing.
Explore the calming effects of embroidery with artist Ekta Kaul in this online workshop. Participants will learn to explore simple mark making by responding to shapes & textures drawn from nature. Under Ekta's gentle guidance you will evolve a personal vocabulary of hand stitches inspired by mark making. Ekta will also share processes and techniques that she uses within her own work. This course is suitable for beginners and experienced sewers. Ekta is an award winning textile artist and experienced educator who explores places, histories and belonging through stitched maps.
What do you need to take part:
You will need a laptop/tablet with a speaker and camera. A Zoom link will be sent to all participants with details of how to join the workshop. Fabrics, some threads and notes will be sent to the participants. The participants will need to bring their own needle, scissors, pencil, paper, hoop and needle threader (optional).
Book here
The workshop is organised by the New Ashgate Gallery. It is part of our Craft Month celebrations and supported by the Farnham Town Council.
Elizabeth Campbell
27 October to 7 November 2020
Elements Redefined 2020: A curated exhibition showcasing the work of members of The Surrey Guild of Craftsmen
This exhibition will showcase the excellent design and craftsmanship that is the trademark of the work of members of The Surrey Guild of Craftsmen. Guild members are selected professional designer makers of contemporary and traditional applied arts. Their work is distinguished by fine craftsmanship and innovative design.
The Guild aims to raise public awareness of the quality and diversity of the work created by local designer makers through a programme of exhibitions and craft events at venues around the county and beyond. The members also run the Surrey Guild Craft Gallery in Milford, Surrey, where a wide variety of individual members' work can be seen and purchased.
Work will encompass many of the media employed by members including glass, ceramics, textiles, mixed media, leather, jewellery and enamelling
Further information and images:
Mavis Walker, Guild Treasurer & Exhibition Organiser for Elements, 01276 471124 | Nancy Shafee, Chairman, 01483 282471.
The Surrey Guild of Craftsmen
Helen A Taylor, Bee Friendly
14 November 2020 to 9 January 2021
Art in Nature
Artists have always been inspired by nature, the patters of flowers and plants and the colours of four seasons. Nature remains the primary referent and is more important than ever: our local landscape and the green English countryside have given many of us so much comfort and joy during this difficult year. This exhibition brings together a group of artists and makers who share the love of nature.
Sarah Spackman, Little Apple Tree, oil on linen
Elliot Walker, Still Life
14 November 2020 to 9 January 2021
Sarah Spackman: Specific beauty
Sarah Spackman's work is distinguished by a strength of drawing, together with a delicate and subtle use of colour. Sarah has become particularly well known for her still-life paintings. She works in a quiet considered way applying the principle that good drawing is the basis of good painting. Sarah uses colour to enhance the organisation and definition of observed form. Sarah considers the setting up of a still life a crucial part of the process: focusing on the objects themselves, everyday objects that are often looked at but not seen, how they relate to each other and the space in which they sit. When painting Sarah pursues the development of these relationships through constantly looking, contemplating, redrawing and colour adjusting.
Sarah studied at Byam Shaw School of Art and Camberwell School of Art in 1970s and 80s and is now internationally recognised for her work. She won the Winsor and Newton Young Artists Award at the Royal Institute of Oil Painters exhibition is a member of the Royal Society of British Artists. She is the winner of the Gordon Hulson Memorial Prize.
Sarah says: I am often inspired by the specific beauty of an organic form be it a nasturtium picked from the allotment or a particularly handsome fig at the market. My way of expressing my response to these objects is through drawing and painting.
Sarah's work will be shown with still live glass maestro Elliot Walker, associated with the London Glassblowing Studios.
Elliot is one of a handful of glassblowers in the world who focus solely on figurative sculpture. Sculpting in molten glass is known as the Messello technique, and working this way requires extreme dexterity, speed and precise temperature control. He chooses to sculpt in glass mainly for the material's immediacy and transparency and for the intensity of the sculpting experience.
Lucy Burley, Hazy Shade of Winter”, trio of vessels; wheel-thrown white earthenware
Emma Dunbar, Quinces Figs Other Favourite Things
14 November 2020 to 9 January 2021
Winter Exhibition: Art and Craft with Local Heart
At Christmas thoughts turn to home so our Winter Exhibition presents a range of unique, local art and craft that you won't find anywhere else. 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 this Christmas.
The artists and makers will include the following highlights:
Paintings by Julie Collins, Emma Dunbar, Sally Anne Fitter, Susie Lidstone, Helen Long, Fiona Millais, Vicky Nigoumi, Alison Orchard, Jacky Paynter, Victoria Potts, Sarah Shaw, Ray Sheldon, Catherine Warren and Suzanne Winn.
Limited edition prints by Kate Alger, Luke Kettle, Tessa Pearson, Chris Pig and Helen Taylor.
Sculpture by Celia Allen, Sarah Cox, Gin Durham, Claudine Fiche, Fiona Findlay, Claire Ireland, Lorraine Izon, Richard Jack, Liane Matthews, David Mayne, Linda Southwell, Ilona Sulikova, Midori Takaki, Mitch Pilkington, Gwen Vaughan and Ed Willis.
Ceramics by Julie Ayton, Laura van Benedetti, Lucy Burley, Arjan van Daal, Alice Funge, Justine Jenner, Miriam Jones, Rhian Malin, Bryony Rich, Katalin Szallas, Michael Taylor, Ali Tomlin, Carolyn Tripp, Vinegar Hill Pottery and Gill Whittington.
Jewellery by Ruta Brown, Shimara Carlow, Emily Collins, Yen Duong, Iona Hall, Fiona McAlear, Francesca Marcenaro, Guy Royle, Suzanne Claire Jewellery, Gabriela Wolf and Yen Jewellery.
Festive lighting and decoration by Amy Cooper, Fleur Grenier, Sarah Grove, Jessica Jordan, Luna Lighting, Liz Scrine and Susan Trevor.
Woodwork by Martin Dowling, Kevin Stamper and Surrey Woodsmiths.
Glass by Adam Aaronson, Shakspeare Glass and Elliott Walker.
Textiles by Jenny Crisp, Lesley Frankland, Hem Handwoven, Judeworks, Miss Knit Knat, Rag Makers, Sally Nencini and Valerie Wartelle.
Paula Reason, machine embroidery on quilted silk background
16 January to 6 March 2021
Paula Reason: A Love Letter to My Father
Paula Reason's quilted sculptural installation is a portrait of her father's room at a scale of 1:5. It is an investigation into how the personalities become embedded into our surrounding in the selection of artefacts that the artist and her father use and how they take comfort from this. Paula's quilting technique figuratively wraps her father in his familiar surroundings when he was in hospital.
Paula's experience as an architect forms the foundations for her artistic practice. She works with textiles and paint. The specific qualities of this medium provides an almost unlimited way to explore and express the relationships that we have with the built environment.
Paula's bespoke work was featured in Collect 2020 with a large sculptural silk panels provided an insight into the relationship that three established craftspeople have with their studio spaces.
Paula is also accepting commissions for small to large-scale site-specific artwork for the home, commercial spaces and museum and gallery exhibits. She also offers architectural and interior design services. Contact the gallery for further information.
Pete Jackman, Vestjardavegur, pastel on paper
Peter Hayes, Disc with blue wave
16 January to 6 March 2021
Pete Jackman: Icelandic Horizons with Sculpture by Peter Hayes
Pete Jackman explores landscapes and objects within the landscape in a semi abstract form.
The Icelandic landscape has a pristine, raw and dynamic quality, looking brand new and ancient at the same time. It is physically and visually challenging and this informs Pete's mark making and colour palette.
Pete's recent work is mostly concerned with the horizon; this is the dominant feature of the Icelandic landscape where the views to the horizon are not interrupted by small scale features such as trees buildings, this distance has the effect of making the impression of the landscape something unapproachable and removed. In contrast, and in a sense of relief, other work is more concerned with the small-scale forms of boulders, pebbles & vegetation.
This work represents Pete's interpretation and reactions to particular places and forms within the landscape. It is developed from sketches, photographs and memories, which through stages of drawings and over drawing using layers or various media tend to become more abstract as the work evolves. As each piece progresses the work becomes its own reference, where the original source image may just be represented in the form of a particular shape, texture or colour.
The drawings are created with layers of graphite, soft pastels, and chalks, these layers may then be cut through to expose earlier marks, with further overdrawing and colouring to create a more complex surface, a similar process of layering is also involved in the paintings, but due to the medium the emphasis is on overpainting and glazes.
Pete's paintings will be presented with master ceramist Peter Hayes, known for his timeless, distinctive style that stems from Raku firing and the way which he submerges his sculptures in the flowing river beside his studio, or sends them to Cornwall to be washed in the sea for months at a time. The water washes minerals such as copper and metal oxides into the basic white clay with which Hayes works, creating a characteristic green-blue "blush" in his sculptures along with random elements that make every piece unique. Hayes' work is then finished by waxing and polishing.
Laura McKinley, Imagine V, photo A. Cotterill
Bruce Marks, Yellow Grey Birds, photo: A. Cotterill
24 April to 5 June 2021
Exceptional talent from the London Glassblowing Studios
The London Glassblowing studio has nurtured and produced some of the world's leading glass artists and continues to do so to this day. The exhibition presents sculpture by four of its star glass artists:
Bruce Marks' Birds have attracted an avid and enthusiastic public following. Bruce has achieved deceptively simple abstract forms, which allude to bird shapes. He says: I am a long-time admirer of the sculptor Brancusi. I envy his ability to capture the essence of his subject, creating a purity of form with minimal detail, whilst projecting profound presence. Bruce's response has been to strip back his forms to achieve an exquisite simplicity retaining a definite bird-like quality.
Laura McKinley's fascination for glass as a creative medium stems from its capacity to constantly alter her initial thoughts and expectations. The spontaneity of the hot material demands instant visual judgments that give rise to shifts in her ideas. These allow her to make tangible her explorations of volume, scale and the random interplay of forms. Serendipity and the unexpected often point the way to the next starting point for making. An element of her inspiration is the Italian technique Incalmo. This involves the hot joining of two separately blown glass bubbles of different colour to form one piece, the join then becoming invisible. Once cold, the fluidity of these objects is interrupted by cutting to expose voids which enable the viewer to see both the internal and exterior spaces. The varying thickness of glass and polished angled surfaces create ever-changing effects of light and shadow, a characteristic that is exploited to create an environment of illusion. Laura's work is an invitation to engage with the tranquil beauty of the incidental.
Vezzini & Chen's work is defined by the artful marriage of hand carved ceramics and blown glass. The collections tread a fine line between functional and conceptual, with the design duo creating sculptural hand crafted lighting, glassware, interior accessories and installation pieces.
24 April to 5 June 2021
Peter Layton: Maker in Focus
Artist, pioneer, mentor, Peter Layton is one of the founding fathers of British studio glass. He discovered the art while teaching ceramics in the US in the 1960s, and has played a major part in elevating glass from an industrial medium to a highly collectable art form. Most importantly, he gave it a home in the UK.
The London Glassblowing studio has nurtured and produced some of the world's leading glass artists and continues to do so to this day. This is thanks to an open door policy extending to artists, collectors and the curious public who wander into the Bermondsey Street gallery and studio. Here they will find the energetic octogenarian in jeans and trainers bouncing between his family of resident artists, advising, collaborating and teaching, while producing his own unmistakable work.
Peter started with a small glass studio in the Highlands of Scotland while relying on pottery to ensure a living. However, the big city called, as did glass - it needed more dedicated champions. In 1976 he opened the London Glassblowing Workshop in an old towage works on the Thames at Rotherhithe. Here he used to dangle his feet over the flood wall and take inspiration from the flowing river.
Glassblowing is an expensive business, new equipment, materials and energy bills required working with other artists. He was joined by Charles Ramsay, drawing in names such as Norman Stuart Clarke and Siddy Langley. This created not just financial returns but a collaborative space for the exchange of ideas, the incubation of artists, and the development of new techniques. This ethos has endured through two relocations along London's Southbank to the workshop's current premises on Bermondsey Street.
Peter takes inspiration from his environment, natural or manmade: a stone wall on a snowy day, the London skyline, or works by great painters. From a mere detail, a flash of a Klimt orange or a slick of oil on the Thames, he creates painterly works with a masterly use of colour. Throughout his career, he has been courted by major art institutions, commercial buyers and private collectors. His work is held in various museums in the UK, Europe and America, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, London and the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, UK.
