Artist in Residence
Liz Brooke Ward is a stitched textile artist whose work is inspired by the natural world and the landscape. Though she specialises in traditional techniques of embroidery and patchwork, she uses digital technology within her design process.
Dare to Dabble 
Choose from 2 sessions: 10.30am – 1pm or 2pm – 4.30pm
Collage is a wonderful technique where artwork is made from an assemblage of different forms such as tissue papers, stamps, fabric, foils, photos etc – creating a new picture. The origins of collage can be traced back hundreds of years, but this technique made a dramatic reappearance in the early 20th century as an art form of novelty.
During this workshop, lots of interesting materials will be available for you to rummage through and use, but please do bring along other things that have caught your attention – perhaps a beautifully printed paper bag or old music papers.
Bookable after 4th January.
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Artist in Residence
Simon Williams trained in natural history illustration at the Arts Institute in Bournemouth from 1996 – 2000. A National Diploma course place was offered to Simon straight from school at 16 years old based on his portfolio without the need for any foundation courses. This lead to him being able to start a career at a very young age and after furthering his training into a Higher National Diploma he submitted work to the Society of Botanical Artists in 2000, becoming the youngest member of the SBA in 2002.
Artist in Residence
Jeremy Paul was born 1954 in Lancashire, he had a successful career in marine biology before becoming a professional artist. His work in marine biology took him to live in some of the most remote and beautiful areas of the British Isles, it was while he lived of the west coast of Scotland that he started to paint seriously.
He is a completely self-taught artist who works exclusively in acrylics, developing each painting in many layers of paint. He now lives on the Isle of Man.
Artist in Residence
Painter & Embroiderer, Teacher & Lecturer, Author & Art Historian
Richard Box was trained at Goldsmiths’ School of Art and went on to be ‘Senior Lecturer’ and finally ‘Head of Art’ at Avery Hill College of Education. In 1985 he resigned from the position in order to develop his own work.
He is a regular exhibitor and demonstrator at the Knitting and Stitching shows and other craft fairs. He gives talks to textile groups; particularly to branches of the Embroiderers’ Guild throughout the country. He runs courses in drawing, painting and his particular system of textile art which combines fabric collage with both machine and hand embroidery. He teaches these at various adult education centres as well as independent organisations.
Elliot Channer is a sculptor and has had a passion for wildlife and art from a young age. He is largely self-taught and takes inspiration from the countryside.
Elliot travels the country in order to observe and photograph animals in their natural habitat, to use in his work.
WE ARE VERY SORRY THAT DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES GARY IS NOT ABLE TO BE IN RESIDENCE ON THESE DATES. WE WILL PUBLISH NEW DATES AS SOON AS THEY ARE AVAILABLE. Gary Hodges is the UK’s best selling and most collectable pencil artist, an impressive accolade for a self-taught and self-published artist. The huge demand for Gary’s limited edition prints has led to a lucrative secondary market, rewarding collectors with more than just the beauty of his drawings.
His enthusiastic collectors have supported him throughout his career. This popularity has enabled him to follow his heart and support charities dear to him. Through his wildlife art well over half a million pounds has been given back to protect the wildlife he feels so passionate about.
Gary has been one of our most regular and long-standing artists in residence and it is a delight to welcome him back again.
Artist in Residence
Holly Brookes, the daughter of woodcarver Roger Brookes, is a wildlife artist, specialising in drawing and printmaking. She has a fascination for detail and texture.
Artist in Residence
Roger Brookes is a wood carver specialising in carving realistic fish.
‘My education as an artist began when, as a child, I saw the form and colour of a freshly caught Sea Trout brought home from the river by my father in Thurso Scotland. When
I am carving the tail, the line of the jaw or the curving shoulder of a fish now I know that I am touching on that first inspiration from all those years ago.’
Artist in Residence
Clive Meredith is an entirely self-taught artist and has been working professionally since 1993 specialising in detailed portrayals of wildlife from both Britain and abroad.
Clive’s initial interest in wildlife and the countryside was fostered in his early years, brought up the son of a dairy farmer, and spending hours outside in the Shropshire countryside birdwatching and larking about on the river Severn and its streams in his hometown of Shrewsbury.