Buxton Museum opens new children’s room and is designated ‘warm space’

Visitors to Derbyshire County Council’s Buxton Museum and Art Gallery this winter have the chance to catch works by budding artists as well as established artist David Lowther.

‘Artwork 2022’ features paintings and artworks by young people from Buxton Community School and St Thomas More Catholic School in Buxton. The exhibition showcases the amazing talent of more than 25 students who presented work for GSCE and A-Level examinations.

Two of these artists, Millie Critchlow and Nell Darley, have been awarded Star Student status by The Arts Society and the Royal Society of British Artists. They will both have their paintings exhibited in London in the new year.

Another exhibition by a High Peak artist also opens in December at Buxton Museum. David Lowther has always been drawn to dramatic landscapes. One landscape in particular, High Walls Farm in the Dark Peak, has been his muse. Farm on the Hill is his exhibition of works in a variety of media over the many seasons.

Artwork 2022 is on show until 11 February and Farm on the Hill until 25 February.

Councillor Barry Lewis, Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture, Tourism and Climate Change, said: “I’m delighted that we can encourage young artists with our Artwork 2022 exhibition. I hope they enjoy their time exhibiting with us and are inspired to develop their talents further.

“And it’s lovely to be able to shine a spotlight on other wonderful local artists like David Lowther and Gordon McLellan.”

Councillor Lewis added: “Our museum and art gallery is always a fascinating place to visit and we’ll be pleased to welcome visitors new and old this winter.”

‘Warm Space’ at Buxton Museum

The museum is also a designated ‘warm space’ where visitors will find a friendly welcome, exhibitions to browse, somewhere to sit, people to chat to and activities to take part in. Visitors can stay for as long as they like, in safe and well-lit surroundings. A brand new children’s activity play area has opened in the foyer of the museum and everyone is welcome. There’s a selection of games and toys in and around both floors of the museum for children to enjoy.

Buxton Museum and Art Gallery will be open throughout the Christmas holidays except for the bank holidays and Sundays: 24th December 10am – 1pm, closed 25th, 26th and 27th. 28th, 29th and 30th open 10am – 5pm and 31st New Year’s Eve 10am – 4pm. 1st, 2nd and 3rd January 2023 closed. The museum reopens on Tuesday 4th January 10am – 5pm.

Free family activity – ‘Big Cats, Big Drawings’ with Creeping Toad

On Thursday 5th January there will be a family activity with Buxton artist Gordon McLellan, inspired by the predatory cats in the museum’s collections. Celebrate the lost big cats of Buxton! A free and fun workshop – please book your time slot to attend at eventbrite.co.uk/e/big-cats-big-drawings-with-creeping-toad-tickets. Sessions last for 45 minutes with time slots at 10am, 11am, 12 noon, 2pm and 3pm. Please book a place for everyone in your group. Places are strictly limited to 10 per session. Children under 8 must be supervised by an adult.

Winter Trail

The museum is also running a winter quiz prompting people to visit all corners of the galleries and find the ‘lost reindeers’! make sure you leave your completed quiz with reception – one lucky winner will be entered into a prize draw to win a gift from the gift shop.

Wonders of the Peak, one of the museum’s permanent exhibitions, explores the geology and archaeology of the Peak District, 360 million years in the making; visitors are able to explore four areas: caves, valleys, hills and pastures, discovering how the landscapes of the Peak District evolved and changed over time.

If you’re still looking for stocking fillers, the museum gift shop has plenty to choose from!

Buxton Museum and Art Gallery, Terrace Road, Buxton, SK17 6DA

T: 01629 533540

derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/buxton-museum/buxton-museum-and-art-gallery