Maggie Hollinshead Surface Tension and the Gallery

Night and Day - Winter Exhibition Joan Darlington

2012-01-18T18:33:00.001Z

Joan has delighted us as usual with her fun outlook on life. Colourful drawings of happy people dancing the night away and then the next morning various folks spotted walking the dogs and relaxing on the sofas captured in black pen drawings. These cheerful pictures were 'pegged' up on string lines around the Gallery to the happy surprise of many of our visitors, causing appropriate seasonal cheer!!

2011-09-01T23:32:00.000+01:00

English Gardens by Pat Clare our Summer Exhibition

More fabulous paintings from one of our favourite Artists here at the Gallery. The fact that Pat is a very keen gardener comes as no surprise as you look at the detail in her paintings. Pat uses a variety of media, including textiles, acrylic and oils, each technique creating a very different style.

Peace of Cake

2011-08-11T23:33:00.002+01:00

We were thrilled with the success of our Peace of Cake Tea Party in an English Garden as an event to launch the start of our Summer Exhibition at the Gallery. Pat Clare's glorious paintings set the scene, with lots of vases of flowers in the Gallery, vintage china and silver teapots, scones with cream and jam, cakes and savouries it really was a very English Tea Party.

The purpose of the 'Peace' was to focus on the work of the Peace Keepng Charity CORD, with sponsorship from Yorkshire Tea and Susan Barlow of Cord, we were able to raise nearly £50 at our Tea Party.

As a Voluntary Leader of Newport WiRE Network, I have been pleased to help set up a similar event at our September Meeting, so near to the International Day of Peace (20th September)

www.wireuk.org
www.cord.org.uk
www.yorkshiretea.co.uk

Take off the handbrake…..

2011-02-17T18:35:00.001Z

Ever started driving and felt something was wrong, then realised, you left the handbrake on? Well, that’s how it’s felt just lately. Sad things going on in my life over Christmas time, through January and February. Business took a back seat, but one can’t do that forever, so with lots of support from family and friends, things are getting back to some sort of normal and I’m beginning to feel inspired again. Thanks everyone, for understanding me, for all the lovely things you said, or emailed or tweeted or sent by text, just for being there - you are all wonderful x

Spring is in the air...

2011-01-25T16:01:00.002Z

It’s that time again, time to clear the decks have a good tidy up. The decorations long since put away, precious things wrapped in tissue and not to be seen again for twelve months, now it’s time to start thinking of Spring.

I must admit that as much as I enjoy decorating the house for the festive season, it is refreshing to take everything down. Moving furniture and having a really good cleaning session, great exercise too and rewarding when the job is done, everything shines and there is a wonderful smell of beeswax polish, lovely.

This is when it’s fun to change things around too, put away some pictures and ornaments and exchange them for lighter fresher pieces. A terracotta pot or two planted with bulbs just showing through and a layer of moss on top, always look lovely standing in bowls and on saucers dotted about the house. A few bits from the garden, Witch Hazel, Willow or Dog Wood look good, a sign that spring is not too far away.

All of this activity takes me back years, it’s what my mother used to do and I would help her, I really enjoyed all the activity. It is a great opportunity to actually take stock of the things you chose to decorate your home with throughout the year. A time to actually handle these possessions and reconnect with the sentimental memories they hold. Many of these pieces tell a story, perhaps a picture bought to remember a special holiday, a hand thrown pottery jug that was a gift from a friend. I am lucky as some of my favourite things have been handed down through the generations, but with the ongoing fascination with ‘vintage’ it is easy to find interesting pieces to inject a little nostalgia into your home too.

My own creativity and enjoyment of quality hand produced work, past and present, led me to the Picture Shop and Gallery where we have a Bespoke Picture Framing Workshop, together with a Gallery showcasing some very high quality Contemporary Applied Arts, some of which are local, but all are from British Designer Makers. At the end of last year we began to introduce a few carefully chosen ‘Vintage Finds’ and these were extremely popular. If you haven’t found us yet, then come along and see what we have to offer. We are open Thursday 10 – 12, Friday and Saturday 10 – 4, if those times don’t suit you, then give us a call or email and we will try to arrange a more convenient time.

Images of Japan

2010-10-02T15:25:00.002+01:00

Another favourite for the Gallery. Mike returns with his distinctive watercolours exquisitely executed with confidence. Many ‘would be painters’ enjoy Mike’s work appreciating that often less is more, his wonderfully light approach gives a depth of feeling to this Exhibition. It is clear to see that this extended holiday in Japan has left memories that will appear in many more paintings from Mike's studio. The exhibition runs to Saturday 6th November 2010.

2010-08-10T15:23:00.002+01:00

Beside the Seaside
(Cornwall to Crosby)
Pat Clare

The Exhibition officially begins on Saturday 14th August with an 'Open House' and runs until the 25th September, there is no entry fee.

More lovely oil paintings from one of our favourites. Pat seems to capture the essence of the scene before her, the natural movement of the water and the reflections upon the surface, interesting composition and lots of her beloved BLUE....

The Gallery is located on the first floor of this charming 16th century Coachman's House and hosts a regular display of high quality Contemporary Applied Arts from British Designer/Makers, including studio pottery, glass, ceramics, textiles, baskets and a variety of different styles of jewellery, which Maggie sources from all over Great Britain. The Picture Shop, which provides a Bespoke Framing Service is on the ground floor. There is a pleasant courtyard too, so, weather permitting, there is room to relax.

The Picture Shop and Gallery is located near the entrance to New Street Car Park, which is just off the High Street opposite the Church in the Centre of town.

2010-01-28T19:43:00.002Z

Our local magazine, Nova News, has just been delivered through the door today, here is the piece I wrote for this issue. You might like to visit ww.novanews.co.uk to find out more about Newport and it's independant businesses, then you might like to visit Newport for yourself.

"Reasons to be Cheerful, one, two three….

Buying British – In these tough times we are all doing our bit, both locally and nationally and what better way to support the economy than to buy British made goods. In the Gallery we stock work from Designer Makers across the British Isles, ranging from assorted textiles pieces, jewellery, glass and studio pottery to unusual lighting and ceramics. One of our most enjoyable tasks is to keep finding new Makers whose work we enjoy and wish to share with you. If you are one of our regular visitors, you will have seen our selection of high quality work grow over the years and we know, because you tell us, that one of the best things is that it is all unusual and you will always find something that is different.

Supporting the Local Rural Economy – We must thank you for doing this already, by returning time after time to shop with us at The Picture Shop and Gallery and also sending your friends and family to us . We in turn do our best to promote not only our unique business, but many of the superb independent businesses in Newport that make this town such a gem and a place where we want to attract visitors. I am a member of WIRE (Women in Rural Enterprise), which coincidentally is based at Harper Adams (HAUC), although it is a national organisation, and as a WIRE member, together with two other local business women, launched a Newport WIRE Network which will meet on the last Wednesday afternoon of each month. The purpose of the meetings is to provide a platform for business women to network, share and support each other under the umbrella of the WIRE organisation. Visit www.wireuk.org or magholl@Aol.com to find out more.

Sustainability – As the fashion for ‘vintage’ continues to gather pace, we are adding a range of items, to The Picture Shop and Gallery which we have sourced, that we feel compliment the more contemporary pieces. These may include a small piece of furniture, a chair, some lovely old glass or really pretty china. I have written in Nova News before that true antiques will make a comeback in the not too distant future, but whether it is a real antique or just a well loved piece, old and new will always provide interest when teamed together.

So, here’s to another exciting and prosperous year in 2010 for us all. We may not always get it right, but Together Everyone Achieves More – and on that note I have to say a special thank you to Chairman Mark Freeman and the Newport Chamber of Commerce for their continued support of all businesses, including the independent sector, of Newport – a Very Happy New Year to You All" - Maggie Hollinshead Jan 2010

2010-01-26T21:51:00.002Z

Art for Art’s Sake
We are showcasing an exhibition of Abstract Art from local Artist Carl Maydew. Carl says, “I have been painting now for around ten years and have become a firm advocate of ‘Art for Art’s Sake’. I am pleased to admit to having many influences, too numerous in fact to mention, and am happy for my work to be seen primarily as decorative. You will notice, I hope, a sense of fun running through much of my work.”

The Exhibition runs to the end of February.

2009-07-27T14:49:00.006+01:00

PEEPING THROUGH THE GALLERY WINDOW IN AUGUST

OH, I DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE......

Fun original watercolour studies by our great friend Joan Darlington. Joan's observations of people are fabulous, she captures the humour of everyday situations. These seaside paintings are reminiscent of those very British Summer Holidays. We also have etchings from Victoria Dean, whose clever thoughts add amusement to her miniature work. Richard Goodwin-Jones' boats and lighthouse have an obvious place in our summer window as do the brooches from the ever popular Abbott and Ellwood, these feature boats bobbing about in the sea. Niki Guy's glass jewellery is very apt too, as she collects a lot of the glass she recycles from the sea shore. Something for everyone, come along and see for yourself......

EXHIBITIONS

2009-07-27T14:17:00.008+01:00

BEVERLEY FRY (Sept/Oct 2009)

Beverley working in her Studio
An exhibition of wonderful work from this acclaimed Shropshire Artist - Including a viewing of her double portrait of the two Anna’s,
Shropshire High Sheriff for 2008 Anne Gee and

Shropshire High Sheriff for 2009 Anna Turner
Our very successful Exhibition Launch was held on the 2nd September
We were grateful to have The High Sheriff -
with Beverley to launch the Exhibition

CHARLOTTE ORMSON (Nov/Dec 2009)

An Exhibition of work from Charlotte, including several of her nostalgic paintings on canvas, which have proved so popular. A Musician, Charlotte clearly enjoys her art as another side of her obvious creative talents. It is a real pleasure for us to have her work at the Gallery

2009-05-22T22:02:00.009+01:00

Abbott and Ellwood

Figurative Hand Printed Metal Brooches

(pictured here 'over the sea' (c) Abbott and Ellwood)

We have new stock of these wonderful brooches, our customers loved them and so did we and we are pleased to have more available. Kim and Mike live and work in St Ives, Cornwall and their work is inspired by their amazing surroundings. The brooches are absolutely lovely and far too nice to put away in a drawer, but don't let that worry you, they each come with a nice stand so that you can display them, this also makes chosing which one to wear much easier. In fact your only problem will be deciding which ones to add to your collection. Your brooch will give you a happy day, it will make you smile when you put it on and people can't help telling you how nice it looks when you wear it - I guess that's a win/win situation. My hubby borrows mine sometimes to wear on his hat and they look good there too.

TIARA MAKING WORKSHOP

2009-05-05T21:47:00.006+01:00

Bookings are now being taken for this One-Day Tiara Making Workshop contact Maggie to book your place - Monday 8th June 2009 THIS WORKSHOP IS FULLY BOOKED
See the link on the right for information of other Workshops run by Maggie

Shropshire Life - May 2009 Issue

2009-04-28T16:10:00.003+01:00

Reporter, Dave Hancock, visited me earlier in the year and he has put together an interesting piece in the magazine. If you get a chance please have a look, I will try to post a PDF file of the article on this Blog. Dave has been very clever in piecing together a number of photographs, which has enabled him to cover lots of different aspects of the Picture Framing Workshop and the Gallery. Fortunately for me he has managed to make me look as though I am just visiting from an episode of the Borrowers! - only joking Dave, it's a great article, many thanks.

WIRE

2009-04-27T22:54:00.002+01:00

Last week I was at the WIRE (Women in Rural Enterprise) 'Thrive and Grow'. I was so glad I went, I came away so inspired and with renewed passion for my business. The speakers were inspirational and the Workshop Sessions great. It was worth it just to take part in Anna Farmery's 'Blogs, Pods and Twitters' Session - thanks Anna, he I am with my Blog set up, thanks to you.

The whole day was so well organised and professional, thanks to the great team at WIRE, thanks to all of you, and thanks for the food too, what a treat, lovely.

For anyone who has not renewed their membership because they believe WIRE to be only beneficial to 'Start Ups' may I suggest you look again, I have found it very helpful. I came away with loads of new contacts, made lots of new friends and was really buzzing with enthusiasm to get stuck in to all those projects which seem overwhelming.

Kavita Oberoi was particularly inspirational, as she said, you really can do anything you want to and if you have other stuff which you have to do, then you just do it - she certainly has - what an inspiration to us all.

Hello

2009-04-27T22:33:00.002+01:00

I am a country girl at heart and I really enjoy a day at home pottering about in the garden with the animals roaming around and the birds singing away. Working in my garden studio, surrounded by all my inspiration, which I have collected since I was a child.I have always enjoyed being creative, collecting found objects and reusing old fabrics, papers and packaging. When I was young I spent many happy hours with my Mum making all sorts of things and in the summer holidays I can remember staying with my grandparents and having a super time being really creative, stitching with my grandmother and painting with my grandad.The current on-going trend of vintage makes me smile as I seem to have been living a life full of 'vintage' finds since I was a small girl. In the 1970's I had a lovely velvet jacket with lots of gold brocade trimming, I wonder whatever happened to that. My grandmother gave me lots of lovely old clothes and I still have several of them. Two silk blouses with lots of delicate hand embroidery, both of which I wore until they started to come apart and were too fragile. Chating to a close friend recently, she commented on how she remembered the lovely old clothes I used to wear and how I didn't like to follow what everyone else was doing - sounds a bit freeky doesn't it. I remember thinking that I looked quite classy and a bit chic, so I'll hold that thought.......