Disappearing Woodlands – Disappearing Skills
April 8th – 27th
A sumptuous display by members of the Goldwork Guild showcasing varied techniques of hand and goldwork embroidery. The show aims to revive these endangered art forms to portray the intricacies of woodland nature.
The exhibition will feature the historic, traditional and modern interpretations of two and three-dimensional hand embroidery whilst embracing the use of modern textiles and textures. These together with the use of meticulously reproduced historical materials and techniques that have now been in decline for decades or even hundreds of years, will showcase the art form in the round.
See members demonstrating April 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th.
Same Sea, Different Boat
April 12th – 27th
See the power of craft as a force for good, helping us share stories, relieve stress and connect with one another. An open-ended project, over 600 printed and stitched squares, joined into panels, have produced a large community quilt.
An illustrated talk by Kim Hardie to coincide with our Goldwork exhibition
Doors open 7pm to view exhibitions (including Goldwork). Finger buffet at 7.30pm followed by talk.
Kim Hardie studied fine art embroidery techniques at the Royal School of Needlework (RSN) based at Hampton Court Palace where she completed both her Certificate and Diploma. She is currently the chair of the Gloucestershire Goldwork Guild. The history of Goldwork goes back to ancient civilisations and is mentioned in the Bible. The talk will cover the history of Goldwork, where it is made, the last places in the UK teaching the technique and examples of where it is used in the military for regimental regalia, royal events such as the State Opening of Parliament and coronations together with Haute Couture that graces ‘red carpet’ events around the world. A fascinating insight into a historic craft. An evening for all!
Book here
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.
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.
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.
Royal Miniaturist Open Evening
This is a great opportunity to come and meet some of the members of the Royal Miniature Society who created the exhibits in our special Nature in Miniature exhibition and to find out more about the works on display.
Join us anytime between 6.00pm and 8.00pm.
No finger buffet at this event, but drinks available. Please book your ticket here, free to book but we are accepting donations on the night.