An illuminated former ballroom; a curated collection of affordable priced art and crafts; an exciting lineup of music, theatre, and spoken word performances; and a showcase of artwork created by talented local young people.
These are just some of the highlights of this year’s winter season in which The Green Man Gallery celebrates its 11th birthday. “We are cramming in more events than ever before!” says events manager, Caroline Small. “We are always in demand as a venue but this year we are also helping to fill some of the gaps created by the temporary closure of Buxton Museum & Art Gallery.”
Since the discovery of dry rot at the museum, many people have wondered whether the Green Man might also be at risk as the two buildings were once part of the same hotel complex. Although somewhat dilapidated, with only one third of the building in use, the gallery was constructed separately and at a later date. Caroline says, “We are optimistic that its steel-frame has protected it from the problems they are having next door.”
Make a Gift of Art
The annual Winter Emporium promises its signature magical lights and crammed with affordable art and original gifts. Choose from a wide range of ceramics, handmade books, jewellery, mounted prints, original art works, photography, linocut prints, a huge range of cards, unusual decorations and much more.
You can also buy gift tokens for any amount to allow your loved ones to choose for themselves. All work on sale at the Green Man is made within a 30-mile radius of Buxton and with many crafted on-site in the first-floor studios which visitors can also explore. “We are keen to encourage people to buy items which are made locally,” says Caroline. “It’s a gentler and calmer way of shopping for gifts and much more sustainable.”
The Winter Emporium will be open until 23rd December 2023.
A Feast of Live Performance – Christmas carols, folk and pop!
The festive season features a varied programme of live music to enjoy.
The exceptional Trilogy Ensemble (flute, harp and viola) return with A Classical Christmas on 10th December; their concert this year is inspired by Italy and includes ancient carols and madrigals as well as better known works by Handel, Gabrielli and Prokofiev. Viola player Henrietta Hill says: “Think gondolas and olives by candlelight.” There will also be mulled wine! Doors open at 6.30pm for 7pm start. Tickets cost £12/£10 conc. Book in person or by phone at the gallery (01298 937375) or click here to book online.
The following night, on 15th December, the brilliant New Mills-based singer-songwriter Hannah Brine returns. After sell-out gigs at Buxton Fringe, Hannah brings a sprinkling of magic with beautifully crafted folk/pop originals and covers. She is joined by the legendary Clive Gregson on guitar, Jasmine Tandy on violin and Jessica Sharratt on cello. Both gigs are expected to sell-out quickly so early booking is recommended. Click here to book tickets.
Local schools exhibition and workshops
Art work by students from Buxton Community School is now on display until mid-February 2024. “The annual schools’ exhibition ‘Artwork‘ usually takes place at Buxton Museum and would have been cancelled,” says Caroline. “We’re delighted to help ensure that this excellent work can be seen.”
In December the gallery will also host The Cranky, an interactive art installation created by High Peak Community Arts, and the Buxton Pride Christmas Tree which celebrates the experiences of people attending the popular Pride Picnic during Buxton Fringe Festival.
Community artist Gordon MacLellan (Creeping Toad) leads a free Festive Faces workshop on 9th December, inspired by the grotesques seen on many Buxton buildings. Click here to find out more.
Geoff Chilton’s popular painting workshop will help you to free up your landscape painting at his workshop on 16th December, using tone to add drama, abrasive media to draw into your painting and gestural marks to give intensity and emotion. Some abrasive materials provided but please bring your own acrylic paints, brushes and palette. Cost is £50pp. Book in person at the gallery or by phone (01298 937375) during opening hours.
The gallery’s Winter Warmers charity knitting and crochet project also continues!
Looking ahead to 2024
Plans for 2024 are already taking shape. Keep an eye out for Red Note Festival #2 in late January and Bisous – a romantic French Jazz Café show by Basin Street Jazz and Blues in February. The call out for the Spring Gathering Open Exhibition 2024 will also come in early February, inviting artists working in any medium and at any career stage to take part in this hugely successful showcase of local creativity in The Green Man Gallery.
Entry to the gallery is free, some events are ticketed – see individual events for details and ticket prices.
Opening times are Monday CLOSED, Tuesday & Wednesday 10.30am – 2pm, Thursday CLOSED, Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10.30am – 4.30pm.
The Green Man Gallery, Hardwick Hall, Buxton
T: 01298 937375
