Buxton art gallery looking ahead to a busy summer
As the daffodils bloom and Buxton comes to life with spring colour, artists at Gallery in the Gardens in the Pavilion Gardens are looking forward to another busy and inspiring summer. Following a record-breaking 2024 – which saw the highest visitor numbers in the gallery’s history – the buzz around this creative hub continues to grow.
Welcoming Rebecca Clitheroe: History Meets Creativity
This Easter weekend is the perfect time to visit and discover what’s new at the gallery. The High Peak Artists group who run and occupy the gallery is especially excited to welcome their latest member, local artist Rebecca Clitheroe, best known for her Hidden Histories series.
Rebecca’s work celebrates iconic landmarks and historic buildings – many from Buxton itself – through a unique technique that blends clever sketching with black & white archival imagery and pastel and crayon colours applied on top. “Faced with the challenge of not only producing an accurate artwork of each building, I set myself the task of ‘building in’ the story of its history too,” Rebecca explains. Her thought-provoking pieces encourage viewers to pause and take a deeper look.
Art Café New Exhibition: Hannah Dodd
The gallery is also proud to present a new pop-up exhibition by textile artist Hannah Dodd, on display in the Art Café (upstairs) throughout April and May. Hannah’s intricate textile pieces explore nature, texture, and storytelling through fabric – a must-see for lovers of craft and contemporary art alike.
Art in the Octagon Returns This July
Looking ahead, Art in the Octagon returns to the magnificent Octagon Hall in Pavilion Gardens from 14th to 16th July, now in its fourth successful year. Featuring 30 talented artists and makers, the event takes part in Buxton Festival Fringe and was nominated last year in the annual Fringe awards for Best Visual Arts Event. Expect live demonstrations, hands-on creativity, and plenty of opportunities to chat with artists and discover their process. Special guest artist Carl Longmate will also be exhibiting, offering visitors a chance to see his celebrated works up close.
Gallery artist chosen as winner for design of Buxton Fringe brochure cover
The community’s talent continues to shine beyond the gallery walls too – member David Steeden has been selected as winner for his design for the Buxton Festival Fringe 2025 printed brochure, with Andrea Joseph named joint runner-up.
A Treasure Trove of Local Art, All Year Round
Whether you’re a long-time supporter or a first-time visitor, Gallery in the Gardens offers something for every art lover. With over 40 local artists in the group, you’ll find a diverse mix of artwork across all media – from oils and pastels to wood turning, photography, ceramics, jewellery, and textiles.
The best part? Every piece is available to buy, making it easy to take home a one-of-a-kind creation or start your own collection. Need a unique card for a special occasion? The gallery also stocks a striking range of greeting cards featuring original artwork by its members – affordable, creative, and locally made.
More Than a Gallery: A Creative Hub in Pavilion Gardens
Located within the Pavilion Gardens retail hall, the Buxton Brewery pop-up shop and bar is opposite the gallery, complete with a cosy seating area. If you’re feeling peckish or need refreshments, the nearby Pavilion Kitchen and Restaurant and Bar serve up hearty lunches and tempting treats – perfect for a mid-visit break.
Interested in Exhibiting? Join the Community
And if you’re a local artist looking to get involved, Gallery in the Gardens is always on the lookout for fresh talent. Membership is by selection, and there is currently a waiting list, but the team encourages interested artists to get in touch and start the journey toward joining this vibrant creative community.
So why not make Gallery in the Gardens part of your Easter plans? Come for the art, stay for the atmosphere – and leave inspired.
Gallery in the Gardens, Pavilion Gardens, St. John’s Road, Buxton, SK17 6BE
T: 07849 673058 / 01298 23114
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