"Beside the seaside, beside the sea..."

On a day like today, it would be lovely...
So, just use your imagination, ok?


















Our next Exhibition upstairs at HHG is called "Mellow Yellow" (opens on October 17th)- oh yes, in spite of this week's high pressure, it's all downhill to Christmas now!
Noooooooo!

In the meantime, however, some of us have been slaving over a hot kiln, drawing board or whatever, and currently exhibiting both at Lincoln's Sam Scorer Gallery and the Willoughby Trust Memorial Gallery in Corby Glen (somewhere near Grantham !) is SOO DURHAM.
How does she do it?

And if anyone would like to indulge in a little decorative pen scratching,
R O S I B A X T E R will be running a Calligraphy Workshop at The Collection on Saturday 21st November - please phone 01522 550965 for more details.

Ta.

R.B.

Summer Breeze

On display in the Upper Gallery now, we have the first of two summer themed shows - much enhanced by ceiling fans and somewhat cooler air, "SUMMER BREEZE" is a collection of work inspired by or linked to the onset of those myriad joys of the silly season...

ALISON READ'S teeming butterflies cluster delicately against one wall above "Small Seedling Tray" in metal, by Sheffield designer Alison Counsell.

On the wall are dramatic seascapes in acrylic depicting tumult and calm at sea by Matlock painter Suzanne Cannon, plump juicy fruits and flowers are charmingly festooned over pots created by Hertfordshire maker Marilyn Andreeti.

And delicately displayed in two cabinets, we have fine jewellery from designers in Brighton and the Wirrall.

This work is on display in the Upper gallery until August 8th, swiftly followed by "Beside the Seaside, beside the Sea."

R.B.

Reflections of Hardwick

Another Bank Holiday behind us, and we are already lurching expectantly towards warmer weather and sunny evenings before the longest day, after which the nights begin to draw in... honestly, the summer solstice is but six and a half weeks away!
Hardly worth putting my gloves away....

However, we are currently showing an exhibition recently on display at Hardwick Park Centre - Dodeka Designers have created a collection of work inspired by Hardwick Hall and its contents. Don't miss this exhibition of weaving, knitting, embroidery, glass, decorated ceramics, costume jewellery and original prints.

www.dodekadesigners.co.uk












This show is in the Upper Gallery until June 27th, swiftly followed by
"SUMMER BREEZE", an admittedly optimistic title reflecting the joys of summer.

We hope...

Finally, one of our merry band at HHG is currently at the Sam Scorer Gallery (01522 589899) just a little further up the hill on Drury Lane.

Entitled "Fifteen years in a shed" (I thought I hadn't seen him recently) this is a retrospective exhibition by glass artist KEVIN WALLHEAD, and is open 11am - 5pm daily until May 16th.

R.B.

"AND HERE'S ONE I PREPARED EARLIER..."

Getting hot under the collar...

And if you've got it, flaunt it!

So our first attempt to convey life at the coal face of creativity (quite literally in this case) features Soo ( well we think it's her!) the pyromaniac, Raku firing not only in the snow, but also in the dark - one way of keeping warm outdoors I suppose!

One unique feature of HHG is the wonderfully rich and varied meander we all take down the path of transforming an idea into a tangible piece of work fit for hanging in a gallery... it's full of surprises and a deep learning curve as over the years we develop our individual style and method of working.

Soo @ HHG

Quite frankly, wielding nothing more sinister than a paintbrush or sharpened quill ( I did however exclaim quite loudly on one occasion, when a ricochetting steel nib pinged without prior warning in my left eyeball!), I am in awe of those colleagues braving the elements of earth, metal, glass and fire in pursuit of their art... scary stuff!

However, taking a break from her duties as Exhibitions Co-ordinator, here we see (allegedly) the usually sparkly Soo Durham, in fiery mode and putting her heart (groan) into the proceedings.

Soo lives and works in Woodhall Spa, and is the driving force behind our Exhibitions Programme, she is also a member of Design Factory, Contemporary Craft Network, Art on the Map and the Lincolnshire Artists Society.




Her work can also be seen in an Exhibition at Trinity Arts Centre Gainsborough from the 17th March - 2nd May, and she can be contacted at HHG on her rota days when she swiftly dispenses with a sea of scruffy paperwork (artistic licence I am told) and swigs hot ginger ( alcohol free ) to the soothing sounds of classic rock.

http://www.barechic.com/

R.B.

EXHIBITIONS 2009

Our current exhibition in the Upper Gallery is called "PAINTERS & DECORATORS", the end product of much hard work and pencil sucking at Donington Primary School, where Artist in Residence Bridget Skanski - Such has again prompted a wealth of creativity from pupils aged 7 - 11 years.

The show displays an extensive use of media and features award winning pieces from the 2008 Willoughby Gallery Open Exhibition. It's here until March 15th...


EXHIBITIONS for 2009

21st March – 25th April
ANTHONY PEGG – Exhibition of Paintings

2nd May – 27thJune
DODEKA DESIGNERS – Reflections of Hardwick
http://www.dodekadesigners.co.uk/


4th July – 8th August
SUMMER BREEZE
Let's cheer up the nation with a vibrant, eclectic display
of art to reflect the joys of summer.

15th August – 10th October
“BESIDE THE SEASIDE, BESIDE THE SEA”
An exhibition capturing childhood memories of holidays
and outings by the seaside.

17th October – 14th November
MELLOW YELLOW
Exhibition reflecting the rich colours of Autumn.

28th November – 31st December
Christmas Exhibition-
Original Contemporary Gifts & Cards
Loads of sparkly bits as usual....

R.B.

TALL TALES

Currently Exhibiting at The Ropewalk , Barton upon Humber
(http://www.the-ropewalk.co.uk/)

Tall Tales and Short Stories - 10.01.09 - 15.03.09

In her first solo show, printmaker Alison Read lets you into her quirky world of animals, but if you can't get to Barton, call in at HHG to view the menagerie within...

ENCHANTED FOREST

Well, maybe not forest, but gentle woodland certainly...
Twinkling branches of silver birch form the framework of our Christmas Exhibition, a delectable display of wintry work influenced by enchantment, fairy tale and the FESTIVE SEASON.

Many thanks to Bridget and her fellow musicians for providing the soundtrack upstairs on opening day...















A SIGN OF THE TIMES 2

It's a familiar dilemma I know, what can you possibly give at Christmas to the person who has everything...(a brain cell perhaps?) ...oh yes! How about a tastefully painted gallery sign that you have to wrench off the wall to pop in your virtual shopping basket?
Wrong colour ? Perhaps you prefer the previously much travelled burgundy specimens?

So leave ours alone and ruddy well paint your own...!

MERRY CHRISTMAS.

"AUTUMN - COMING AROUND AGAIN"

Timed to coincide with the beauty of mid autumn, recycling and reusing is the theme of our current exhibition.

What is most pleasing as you reach the top of the stairs is the overall similarity in tone and hue from an interesting mix of media....

A Forest of Trees forged from gilded iron by our very own Roger Lee

Pauline Strong's intricate and shimmering hand stitched quilt

Delicate thrown porcelain by Sue Gorman

"Autumn " is on display until Saturday November 22nd

and, unsurprisingly, is swiftly followed by our habitually spectacular (in other words do not miss it!) Christmas Show-

when, I am most reliably informed, the Upper Gallery will be transformed into an "ENCHANTED FOREST" where you can explore beneath the sparkling branches to find a dazzling array of unique artist made gifts...

(Soo, I can do you bed and breakfast - well ...cornflakes anyway!)

So please, do join us on Saturday November 29th between 10am and 5pm for not only mince pies and liquid refreshment, but also live seasonal music performed by Lincolnshire Ceilidh Band FANNY POWER and the MICKEY MONEY BOYS, featuring our multi talented Bridget Skanski-Such, not on her machine, but playing her fiddle...

AND AS the season changes, we have had a complete redisplay of members and all other work in the lower gallery - what never fails to surprise is the subtle change of space and light downstairs each time we recreate order from the complete and utter chaos of moving and rehanging the entire contents!

P.S.

Apologies for my occasional back view as you step into the Upper Gallery on assorted days this month, but, engaged as I am in precision signwriting (at Volume 10), I may well be dealing swiftly with an unscheduled blob of paint before I am able to glance up and dispense my usual cheery greeting.

R.B.

"IN THE SUMMERTIME, WHEN THE WEATHER IS FINE..."

Midsummer Madness

And madness it is – especially if you’ve ever loitered awhile (oh, yes I have) in the doorway of Harding House Gallery and witnessed the torrents and fountains surging downhill after substantial rain…and ten minutes later the beguiling odours of “eau de d’rain” wafting aloft, as a gaggle of dripping and delicately steaming visitors cheerfully waddle in!

Well at least we were climatically blessed at the opening of Midsummer Madness, and passed an extremely jovial couple of hours with a steady stream (ha!) of bonhomie and chit chat.

So, on display is an eclectic mix of new work on a summery theme, including outrageous (what else!) head wear for a summer wedding, garden sculpture by a Cathedral stonemason, delicate clusters of birdlife, a series of summer paintings and much more, all enticingly arranged to the soundtrack of long hot summers of yesteryear.

R.B.

MADE IN SHEFFIELD

How lovely it feels to be sat here once more, communicating with and berating ye ancient computing machine...

Anyway, "MADE IN SHEFFIELD" is the exhibition we have in the Upper Gallery at present, a stunning show created by ART THROUGH TEXTILES,which is a working group of over 90 artists/makers based in Sheffield and surrounding areas.

Linda Bellinger "On the Edge"

Pat Jones "The River Sheaf"


Evoking the beauty of the area in which they live, and with references to the Industrial Revolution, this exhibition reflects the diversity of landscape, cultures and change found in and around Sheffield.




Pat Jones "When wall becomes light"



Jennie Merriman "Sheffield Weavings"

Watch this space for details of our next exhibition "MIDSUMMER MAGIC", which runs from Saturday July 26th - August 30th, and hopefully opens with wine and tasty bits, plus a gaggle of assorted Harding House Gallery Artists...

R.B.

THE SECRET GARDEN

Well, Spring has finally sprung, not only in the great outdoors but upstairs at HHG where we have gathered (thanks Soo!) a spectacular collection of garden creations, both for your garden, about your garden and probably the next best thing if you haven't got a garden -


powerful sculpted pieces
chunky work in wood
hanging things that reflect or tinkle, or both if you're lucky
stained glass to reflect those sunny days
quirky ceramics
wonderfully intricate hand made boxes

"Sarah" - Limestone Sculpture on a limestone base, by Denise Hoad


Ceramic Heads by Guy Routledge



Aluminium Sculpture by Penny Hardy, and "Heliconia" by Allison Payne


Stained glass by Kate Sell and Paintings by Dawn Ogden-White


Hanging birds by Rosemary Pike


"Rebecca's Garden" by Dawn Ogden-White


Decorative Boxes by Linda Marie Young


This lovely display will be in place until June 7th...

GALLERY NEWS

Again, we are delighted to announce , yes, another new member to HHG - although Alison (Read) has been selling at Harding House for, oooh, a few years now, obviously the temptation to join our merry band was just too great, so hello Alison, there's no going back now...

EXHIBITIONS

And if you do happen to be in Boston (looking for a chanter or otherwise!), make sure you don't miss Roger Lee's current exhibition -

SHORT STORIES IN IRON

The Haven
2 South Square
Boston PE21 6HU

Until 31st May 2008

Open daily 10 to 4-30 - closed Tuesdays

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rogersforge/sets/72157604371639156/

WORKSHOPS

But if you are feeling creative and want to try something new, join Rosi Baxter at The Collection on Friday May 23rd.

To celebrate the forthcoming LUTTRELL PSALTER ( note- two T's, two L's) Exhibition and film preview ( whoopee, medieval manuscripts at last!!!!!) , I shall be running two workshops on a related theme.

The first is Decorative Gold Leaf on Friday May 23rd, 10 am to 3 pm (hour for lunch), where you can enjoy the challenge of creating a medieval tile, illuminated letter, or whatever takes your fancy, using real gold leaf. (£20 /£15 concessions)

On Wednesday August 6th you can try a bit of calligraphy, lettering or tile painting - this workshop is in two sessions

10 am - 12 pm Adults 18 + (£12.50 / £10 concessions )

2 pm - 4 pm Young Adults 11- 18 years (£5.00)

For more details you can contact me on 01522 501115 , but to book a place, please ring 01522 550965.

Thanks

R.B.

EXHIBITIONS UPDATE

As I type this, (and in view of my woeful "keyboard skills", quite possibly arriving before I manage to finish it!) , our intrepid Exhibitions Organiser Soo Durham will be sparkling up north on the A1 (Turn it on again Volume 9 at least) to Harrogate for the British Craft Trade Fair in search of new work for our forthcoming shows -

"Designer makers who are chosen to exhibit at bctf represent a wide selection of disciplines with a carefully planned balance between established makers and newcomers. They all symbolise the best of British contemporary art and design and without doubt they are instrumental in influencing future trends"

We do endeavour to feature new artists alongside new work by our established contributors and gallery members, bringing a rich and varied cross section of contemporary craft from around the country to Lincoln. And as you have to trek up (or down ) the hill and then scale a rather impressive staircase to view the fruits of our labour, you need to be sure we're worth it...

R.B.

NEST

CONTEMPORARY CRAFT NETWORK

Our current Exhibition features new work by the Contemporary Craft Network - on display until April 26th

The present group consists of 25 members and includes specialists in the fields of ceramics, sculpture, fine leatherwork, felt work, tapestry, weaving, textiles, silver, gold and jewellery, glass, paper, woods and furniture, and mixed media.

For more information about the group, please look at www.contemporarycraftnetwork.co.uk

Reclining Figure by Kevin Wallhead




Beware of Bookworms by Jeanette Killner



Metal Panel by Jeanette Killner



Goosegogs, Cobnuts & Pigmast by Julie Willoughby

GALLERY NEWS

We are really pleased to report that two new artists have recently been accepted into Harding House Gallery -

firstly, ZOE WRIGHT joined us back in December - perfect timing for the riotous entertainment and questionable taste in headgear provided by both customers and inmates in festive mode (!) -

Zoe trained in fine Art at Manchester University, then did Postgraduate Teaching at Goldsmiths in London, followed by time spent in Germany and Brussels as a Primary teacher.
And before joining our merry band, Zoe was a member of "Artistree" Co-operative in Ledbury, thus came to us with some inkling of the peculiar, and doubtless alien to some but brilliant when successful, workings of an Artist's Co-operative!

Zoe designs and produces unique sterling silver jewellery, each item is designed and handcrafted from scratch, using textures and patterns from organic structures.
For more information about her work, please look at http://www.moltenrocks.co.uk/

WENDY MARTIN, after eight years of successful selling as an S.O.R. artist, finally concluded if you can't beat them, join them, and was welcomed at the beginning of March - as far as we know she has not yet left the country...

Well, she does have four children, and interestingly, much of her decorative ceramic work is based on observational drawings of family life. (They sit still that long??)

Wendy creates stoneware ceramic figurines, with a definite quirk.
She studied 3D Design at Lincoln De Montfort University, but is self taught in ceramic techniques and finishes.

So, now we are ten, and looking forwards to the coming year with new Exhibitions, hard work, fresh ideas and a whole lot of laughter along the way... sad but true!

R.B.

ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL (25th Feb 2008)

Visit our first exhibition of 2008, and experience a taste of Spring and Summer colours in this delightful and accomplished display of artwork by children from Donington Primary School -
staged by Bridget Skanski-Such (HHG member), previous exhibitions have featured award winning pieces and much appreciation by visitors of the high standards reached and techniques employed.

Following many years working in education, Bridget has been Artist in Residence at Donington for four years, and in that time has built a solid foundation for practical and focussed arts education, concentrating on drawing skills and specific mixed media techniques.

Most of these pieces were produced over several weeks as ongoing projects, and the quality of work reflects the dedication and excitement in producing something wonderful!
Long may it continue...


YE WANDERING SIGN OF OLDE STEEPE HILL ,
(or - to me...no, to you...hang on, to me...no,to you )

Incidentally, as you innocently (well evidently, not all of you!) stagger up or lurch down the hill one of these clear frosty nights, do keep your eyes peeled for the recurring phenomenon which is our gravitating gallery sign - this hefty testament to my signwriting skills has of late sprouted wings and taken flight, only to reappear lurking quietly somewhere where it has absolutely no business to be!

Hmmm...heavy isn't it???

P.S. I do commissions...

R.B.
25.2.2008


EXHIBITIONS 2008


With the New Year a distant memory, and the skirl of the pipes still ringing in my ears
( oh no, that was Friday and Saturday night - apologies to any itinerant but puzzled passers by, yes, it was "A man's a man" and "Scotland the Brave" issuing live at full pelt...)

I am now able to provide details (thanks to Soo's undimmed exertions ) of this year's exciting Exhibition programme ( but sadly minus my usual variations in font, colour and interesting visual layout because "blogger" is bedevilled today! )

- and so perhaps subject to the occasional tweak...


Feb 16th - March 15th
children’s exhibition

March 21st – April 26th
nest
contemporary crafts network

May 3rd – June 7th
spring fever
the secret garden

June 14th – July 19th
linda bellinger
arts through textiles
made in Sheffield

July 26th – Aug 30th
midsummer madness

Sept 6th – Oct 1th
tangent textiles

Oct 18th Nov 22nd
autumn leaves
coming around again

Nov 29th – Dec 31st
christmas exhibition


and please keep visiting this site for Exhibition previews and information, ta.

R.B.