Nature in Miniature: May 6th – June 8th
An exhibition of exquisite 2D and 3D works celebrating wildlife and nature in miniature by members of the Royal Miniature Society. Founded in 1896 the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers promotes and champions the genre of miniature art. This show will include close to 200 exhibits.
While the traditional subject matter of portraiture continues unabated, today’s Miniaturists incorporate a very broad range of subject matter, including landscapes, still life, marine and wildlife, as well as fresh and innovative styles and subjects.
So, what is a miniature? Whilst there is no definitive answer, a miniature can be described as a fine work of art with exquisite detail in a frame size no more than 15 x 11.5cm or under 20cm for sculpture. Eizabeth Meek MBE, who was the Society’s President from 2004 – 2013, described working as a Miniaturist as the most demanding of all painting genres, ‘Concentration, stillness of mind and body and a dogged perseverance for perfection — the perfect miniature needs to be devoid of errors.’
The Society’s 130-year legacy still endures with over 90 of its members and non-members contributing to its activities.
See an RMS member at work on 24th May and see miniaturist sculptor, Philip Nelson, at work 3rd – 8th June.
Bee on sea holly with Karen Coulson
Course Suitability: Absolute Beginners Beginners Improvers
Maximum Participants: 12
Please email Hattie at niamarketing@natureinart.org.uk to book
Course Description:
Explore the techniques required to complete this Bumble Bee on Sea Holly using assorted colour pencils. A watercolour pencil is used for the first layer of the background.
Materials Required:
All materials supplied within session.
Places are on a first come first basis.
To secure your place on this course a £25 non-refundable deposit is required.
All courses are £59 per day for members, and £75 for non-members
Rhododendron Flower with Karen Coulson
Course Suitability: Suitable for all
Maximum Participants: 12
Course Description:
Assorted Colour Pencils on Mount Board
Explore the techniques of colour blending and layering required to complete this Rhododendron flower using assorted colour pencils.
A line drawing is supplied.
Materials Required:
All materials supplied within session.
Places are on a first come first basis.
To secure your place on this course a £25 non-refundable deposit is required.
All courses are £59 per day for members, and £75 for non-members
Lapwing with Karen Coulson
Course Suitability: Suitable for all
Maximum Participants: 12
Course Description:
Derwent Coloursoft Pencils on Mountboard
Explore the techniques of colour blending and layering with colour pencils to achieve the many colours of the feathers in this beautiful bird.
No need to worry about drawing freehand as a line drawing is supplied.
Materials Required:
All materials supplied within session.
Places are on a first come first served basis.
To secure your place on this course a £25 non-refundable deposit is required.
All courses are £59 per day for members, and £75 for non-members
Ros Wise Garden Paintings
A special display to coincide with the National Garden Scheme Open Day. This is a feast of large canvases capturing the contrast in tones and colour, and the vibrancy, energy and beauty found in gardens, alerting us to the power that nature holds for us.
Growing Together: A Photographic Exploration of Community, Heritage, and Healing Through Gardening
Growing Together explores how gardening connects people and improves well-being. 
Social prescribing provides activities that support emotional and mental health, as is evident each week, when a group gathers at an allotment in Gloucester, where the simple act of gardening becomes something powerful.
Here, people facing disabilities, mental health challenges, and social isolation find healing through nature and community bonds. Beyond growing vegetables, allotments bring people together, foster connection and support, creating a space where nature unites.
Historically, allotments have been safe havens for working-class people, providing food, purpose, and pride. These spaces hold deep cultural significance, reflecting resilience, creativity, and shared traditions.
Through portrait photography, Stefania Distante captures the heart of this community, highlighting the strength, heritage, and transformation that flourish in these gardens. This project celebrates how gardening fosters botanical, personal and collective growth.
Special MONDAY opening on 19th May
Come and see Nature in Art’s garden as part of the National Open Garden Scheme which raises millions of pounds each year for charity.
The whole museum will be open too, plus you’ll be able to
- meet experts from Master Composters
- meet Nature in Art’s beekeeper, Brian, who will show you their new observation hive (see what’s going on in the inside!) ,
- browse our plant and garden book stalls (in aid of Nature in Art)
- see special exhibitions by Rosalind Wise , the Royal Miniature Society and Stefania Distanti
£6.50 entry (all proceeds to NGS)
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Coffee shop open for drinks and light snacks.
A Dream Come True
An illustrated talk by Braddon Johnson and Shona Thornhill
A dream of independent travel to wide open spaces with no discernible timeline is where it all began. As time passed options were refined, and soon enough Shona and Braddan were ready to roll. Literally. Riding two Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycles they travelled overland from Tuktoyaktuk where Canada meets the Arctic Ocean, through the USA, Mexico, Central America and finally to Ushuaia – the most southern point of South America. Join us as they share their journey – the places, people, technicalities, fun and challenges of life on the road. An inspiring evening for all!
TWASI
May 24th – June 1st (including B.Holiday Monday)
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The annual selling exhibition of the Wildlife Art Society International. Over 350 works, both 2D and 3D. The Society is a focus for the interests of wildlife artists, painters, sculptors and photographers. Demonstrations every day.
A Nod for Lady Elwes
May 30th – 31st
Lady Carolyn Elwes was the lifeblood running through the snowdrops at the renowned Colesbourne Gardens. Lady Elwes, who always liked to be called Carolyn, was a self-taught artist who kept more than 30 illustrated diaries of her activities and was an expert needleworker who made rugs, cushions, hats and dresses throughout her life and did all the illustration for the Colesbourne Gardens snowdrop brochures and cards for more than 30 years. She was a national W.I. judge of needlework and crafts and still had time to be a wonderful wife and mother. This is a rare chance to see some of her original art and crafts plus sketchbooks from the family archives.