Open studio Weekend

ashley thomas
Here's some snaps from our open studio weekend. It was such an amazing weekend. We are all overwhelmed by the amount of visitors we had. Thanks to all the people who came along, we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. And thank you for supporting local creative businesses like us at The Harley Studios.






Exclusive Event: Open Studios

ashley thomas
Next weekend is our exclusive Open studios & Christmas Market at the Harley Gallery.
It's an exclusive opportunity to come and have a look around my design studio, talk to me directly about my work and products, as well as an once a year opportunity to buy directly from me and other designer makers who work at the Harley Gallery Studios.
There will be 70 art and food stalls and Paint-a-Pot workshops as well.
So come and start your Christmas shopping in style!
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

The Christmas Art Market and Harley Open Studios 27-29 November 2015

Events

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

Sneak Peak into my studio

ashley thomas
Have a sneak peak into my studio over on the Harley Gallery blog feature. I will be opening my doors to the public on Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 November 2014. Come and have a look at my workspace and start your Christmas shopping and buy my products from me directly.

Ashley Thomas has recently joined the community of artists and craftspeople based at the Harley Studios, built in Welbeck Abbey’s historic Victorian kitchen garden, Pineapple Pits and Tan Gallop.
A successful surface pattern designer, Ashley told us why she made the move from her design studio at home to a Harley Studio on Welbeck Estate.
 I graduated in 2007 from Staffordshire Uni with a first class honours degree in Surface Pattern Design. In 2008 I launched my own brand of home accessories working from a design studio that I set up in my spare room. Over the past seven years things have gone from strength to strength and my work is now available in interior boutiques, gift shops and galleries in the UK, Paris and Tokyo.
 I’ve always loved visiting The Harley Gallery, it’s such a beautiful and inspiring place. I have taken part in the Christmas Market in recent years and my work has proved very popular with the visitors. It’s a dream come true to now have a studio here and I’m really excited about opening my studio doors to the public for the first time ever in November for the Harley Open Studios event.

I have a range of handmade cushions, notebooks, fine china mugs, quirky tea towels, unique cards and limited edition art-prints and wallpaper, all printed and made in England. My inspiration for my work can come from the smallest detail, such as the pattern on a vintage plate or watching the busy little birds in my garden. I aim to produce designs that are fun, curious and make people smile.
I’ve had a lot of commercial interest in my work from prestigious companies including Laura Ashley, Mamas and Papas and Hallmark Cards. My latest collaboration with Debenhams has showcased my work onto high streets across the country.
The Harley Studios open twice a year, offering visitors the chance to explore the diverse work spaces of artists and craftspeople. The next Open Studios will be held on Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 November 2014 during the Christmas Art and Food Market and Harley Open Studios.

New Headquarters!

ashley thomas
I have a new headquarters! I'm now officially part the Harley Gallery Foundation Studios, based on a beautiful and historic Welbeck estate.

There are lots of interesting things to distract me here such as an award winning farm shop full of yummy local produce, Welbeck Abbey brewery, the Dukeries Garden Centre, The delicious lime house cafe and lots more. There is also a prestigious art gallery on the estate, the wonderful Harley gallery. 

I'm now part of the diverse community of Harley foundation studios which is occupied by lots of creatives such as a Picture Conservator, Sculptors, Jewellers, Ceramicists, Furniture Makers and now me! You can see info on everyone here. Very exciting stuff!