The Christmas Art and Food Market and Harley Open Studios Bigger and Better than Ever
18 November 2015
The best of the region’s contemporary artists and designers will be showcasing their work, from jewellery and ceramics to prints and textiles at the Christmas Art and Food Market at The Harley Gallery on the Welbeck Estate this month.
The best of the region’s contemporary artists and designers will be showcasing their work, from jewellery and ceramics to prints and textiles at the Christmas Art and Food Market at The Harley Gallery on the Welbeck Estate this month.
Now in its 15th year, the popular event is opening fully for three whole days for the first time to allows the thousands of visitors more browsing time at the 70 art and food stalls.
There's also the opportunity to explore The Harley Studios and buy directly from the community of resident artists from potters and jewellers to textile designers. Only open to the public twice a year, this is a rare chance to explore this fascinating hub of creativity and meet the makers in the studios housed within the 5th Duke of Portland’s Victorian Tan Gallop and Kitchen Garden.
Paint-a-Pot workshops for visitors looking to create a special gift will also be running in the new Harley Ceramics Studio. A charge applies and advance booking is required.
With more than 20 food stalls in the Courtyard, alongside the award winning Welbeck Farm Shop, the event is also a great place to pick up the best of locally produced fine food and drink from Stichelton Cheese, Welbeck Abbey Brewery ales and meats raised on the Welbeck Estate itself while the Welbeck Christmas Pudding and Welbeck mince pies created by the estate's own bakers at the Welbeck Bakehouse are sure to be popular.
The food market promises to leave visitors spoilt for choice with stalls offering tasty delights from sweet treats from Wollaton Honey; Dotty about Jam and Hedgerow Preserves to specialities such as flour from Tuxford Windmill and cider from Scrumpy Wasp.
For the Art Market, The Harley Gallery is presenting a carefully curated selection of 56 designer-makers drawn from across the region to showcase a stunning selection of crafts and designs that make for unusual and fantastic Christmas gifts.
As well as Harley favourites such as jeweller Jennie Gill and printmaker James Green, the market will be the chance to view exciting new exhibitors too.
One of these is Olivier Leger, whose exceptional work first came to the attention of Harley when he entered the Open Exhibition earlier this year and scooped two of the top prizes. He will be showing his highly detailed pen and ink drawings alongside a collection of prints.
Another new exhibitor at the market is the award winning maker Louise Mary Muttitt, a South Derbyshire silversmith and jeweller whose work has been showcased at prolific art fairs including the Goldsmith’s Fair in London and shown in prestigious galleries including the V&A.
The Christmas Market takes place in the newly re-landscaped Courtyard, The Harley Gallery, Welbeck Farm Shop and The Harley Studios but please be aware that this is mainly an outdoor event and the site can become muddy. Visitors are advised to arrive early. Parking and entry is free.
Opening times
Friday 27 November, 10am to 5pm
Saturday 28 November, 10am to 5pm
Sunday 29 November, 10am to 4pm
For more information, visit www.harleygallery.co.uk