Ashbourne’s new Hopton Hall Gallery has opened with an inaugural exhibition ‘Brushed Light: Atmospheric Watercolours’.
A new art gallery has opened in Ashbourne, with the aim of connecting centuries of craftsmanship with the artists shaping today’s landscape.
The owners and custodians of the Hopton Hall Estate, Chris and Andi Harvey, chose an 18th century, Grade II listed building on St. John Street as the home of their new gallery.
The Gallery will offer an ever-changing programme of exhibitions and events, and the opportunity for the local community to hire the space for workshops.
Chris said: “This project really has been a labour of love. The earliest known records of the property date back to 1770 and it’s enjoyed several different lives as a butcher’s, clockmaker’s and as a succession of drapers and outfitters. It’s such a characterful building and we’ve worked hard to preserve as many features as we can whilst renovating it to meet the needs of a 21st century art gallery.
“It’s been so exciting to see the Gallery come to life and we know that it is in safe hands with our Gallery Director, Ruth Matthews, who has also been instrumental in helping to build the success of our annual Month of Art celebration in July. Ruth’s vision in selecting the most talented artists for the Gallery means we now have a calendar of exhibitions running until the end of May 2027! We’d like to invite the people of Ashbourne and art lovers more widely to come along to take a look.”
The Gallery is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm during exhibitions.
The opening exhibition Brushed Light: Atmospheric Watercolours’, features artwork from local artists Roger Allen, Martin Sloman, Sue Quinby, Cheryl Wilbraham, Mark Langley, Sarah Sutton, Tim Rose, Carol Hill, Sarah EA Parkin and Ian Palmer Sculptures.
Original contemporary artworks are available for purchase, in person at the Gallery. Contemporary and antique artworks are also available from the online shop.
