BUG, BIRD, BEAST – a ‘free to enter’ exhibition in our gallery from 12th June to 1st September 2025.

This summer the gallery presents an exhibition featuring exquisite works inspired by the animal kingdom. Beginning with Lizzie Wheeler’s glorious lino prints and woodcuts of subjects such as giant Grasshoppers, Marmalade Pigs and Nanny Goats, we have gathered together a diverse and joyful collection of carefully crafted artworks with a common thread. Our makers share a love not only for all creatures great and small but also for the process of making where attention to detail and design are key.

On the walls, Lizzie is joined by printmaker Steph Renshaw, textile artist Yvette Phillips, paper sculptor Graham Lester and ceramic artist James Ort.

Whilst our tables are adorned with rich lusterware vessels by Jonathon Chiswell Jones and glorious tin glaze earthenware platters and bowls by Andrew Hazelden. Gallery favourites such as Richard Ballantyne(ceramics), Grow and Gather (wireworks), Hilary Audus(ceramics) and Vicky Baker(leather) have added special pieces for the show. Our jewellery cabinets are enriched with work by Sarah Vourda Enamels, Lucy Jade Sylvester and Julian Warrender both working in silver and fabulous sparkling recycled plastic giant bug brooches by Hannah Coates. Finally, flying geese and other birds by Scottish mobile artist Jay Rubenstein complete our thoroughly Modern Menagerie.

*We also have a fantastic selection of cards and small gifts based on our current exhibition theme.