We have regular exhibitions in our downstairs gallery space, which also hosts our community café, serving hot drinks, cakes and soup. All exhibitions are open to all to visit during our usual café opening hours - Monday to Friday 10:30-3:30 & Saturday 10:30-1pm.
On currently...
No exhibition at present, but we do have many other things going on, and delicious cake!
Future exhibitions including calls for submissions (please note dates may be subject to change)
We will be adding to our programme throughout 2024 - sign up for the newsletter and follow us on social media to hear about new exhibitions. If you have any queries or would like to enquire about any exhibitions or opportunities, please email art@opendoorberkhamsted.co.uk, thank you.
Rotary Youth Competitions Exhibition: Young Photographer 2024 and Dacorum Young Artist 2024 prize winners
Saturday 11th - Saturday 25th May 2024
Saturday 11th - Saturday 25th May 2024
Berkhamsted Creative Challenge exhibition - 100 months
Monday 8th - Saturday 20th July 2024
Monday 8th - Saturday 20th July 2024
Wet and dry needle felting exhibition
Saturday 26th October to Saturday 9th November 2024
A two week exhibition of wet and needle felting by Region 5 of the International Feltmakers Association.
Saturday 26th October to Saturday 9th November 2024
A two week exhibition of wet and needle felting by Region 5 of the International Feltmakers Association.
Previous exhibitions
Community Christmas pop up shop
Mon 27th November - Sat 6th January 2024
Shop and café open Mon-Fri 10:30-3:30, Sat 10:30-1pm
Christmas shopping evening Wednesday 29th November, 6:30-8:30pm
In place of a festive art exhibition, this year, Open Door will have a festive marketplace of locally sourced goods - so that you can support local this Christmas whilst giving back to your community!
Come and browse a selection of cards, decorations, produce & gifts from local artisans - perfect for gift buying, supporting both small and local business as well as Open Door. The shop is hosted in our café where you can also stop for a bite to eat and a drink.
We have goods from the following local artisans and makers - more being added all the time!
Thank you for visiting and supporting local makers, and Open Door!
Mon 27th November - Sat 6th January 2024
Shop and café open Mon-Fri 10:30-3:30, Sat 10:30-1pm
Christmas shopping evening Wednesday 29th November, 6:30-8:30pm
In place of a festive art exhibition, this year, Open Door will have a festive marketplace of locally sourced goods - so that you can support local this Christmas whilst giving back to your community!
Come and browse a selection of cards, decorations, produce & gifts from local artisans - perfect for gift buying, supporting both small and local business as well as Open Door. The shop is hosted in our café where you can also stop for a bite to eat and a drink.
We have goods from the following local artisans and makers - more being added all the time!
- Jewellery and cards from Reversible Robin: thereversiblerobin.com - Facebook - Instagram
- Prints, tea towels and cards from Louise Brainwood: louisebrainwood.co.uk - Facebook - Instagram.com
- Honey, honey lip balm, honey furniture polish from SpinneysHarvestHoney: spinneysharvest.co.uk - Facebook - Instagram
- Needlefelt decorations and figures by Jackie Bennett: hvaf.org.uk/galleries/jackie-bennett - Facebook - Instagram
- Children's yoga storybooks by Maria Oliver from Boxmoor Yoga: boxmooryoga.co.uk - Facebook - Instagram
- The Chiltern Recipe Book by Rebecca Flakney: chilternsrecipebook.co.uk - Facebook - Instagram
- Pottery class Gift Vouchers in an Open Door Christmas card for The Studio: pottery + creative arts: opendoorberkhamsted.co.uk/thestudio
- Crochet handicrafts by Rima Barrett: etsy.com/shop/CrochetLaneBoutique - Facebook - Instagram
- Gifts made from pre-loved & re-loved wood by KayuCo: kayuco.co.uk - Instagram
- Natural cosmetics from NATRL: sonaturalcosmetics.co.uk - Facebook
- Encaustic wax wall art by MioDesigns: Facebook - Instagram
- Festival fancies & decorations from the Make and Mend team: opendoorberkhamsted.co.uk/make--mend
- Handmade Children's textile gifts by O is for Olive: etsy.com/uk/shop/oisforolivedesign - Instagram
- Illustrations by Sophie Ewart: Instagram
- Calendars and fine art photography by Simon Turnbull: simonturnbullphotography.com - Instagram
- Landscape paintings by Laura Stock: Laurastockart.com - Instagram - Facebook
- Handmade jesmonite home decor by Mould and Make: Instagram
- Art prints by Naomi Reeve
- Handcrafted earrings by Suzanimals: Instagram
- Illustrations by Debbie Shrimpton Illustrates: debbieshrimptonillustrates.co.uk - Instagram - Facebook
- Hand carved wooden blocks by Paula Watkins: Paulawatkins.co.uk - Facebook - Instagram
- Prints & cards by Kate Dean: cargocollective.com/KateDean - Instagram
- Hand folded paper stars by Open Door staff and volunteers
- Chopping boards by WoodRescue: Woodrescue.co.uk
- Signed copies of 'Darwin's Super-Pooping Worm Spectacular' by Polly Owen & Gwen Millward: Pollyowen.com - Facebook
Thank you for visiting and supporting local makers, and Open Door!
An Autumn Collection
Monday 30th October - Saturday 18th November 2023
A wonderful selection of artwork will grace the walls of Open Door this month...
Simultaneously, in our 'Garden Room' at the back of our café gallery, we will be showcasing the work of our volunteer garden team - they have worked so hard this year to improve our wonderful Open Door garden - you will be able to follow the story through a series of photographs.
Monday 30th October - Saturday 18th November 2023
A wonderful selection of artwork will grace the walls of Open Door this month...
- Chris Debois - watercolour paintings
- Sophie Ewart - illustrations
- Paul Osborne - photographs
Simultaneously, in our 'Garden Room' at the back of our café gallery, we will be showcasing the work of our volunteer garden team - they have worked so hard this year to improve our wonderful Open Door garden - you will be able to follow the story through a series of photographs.
Home Grown
Exhibition open: Monday 4th - Saturday 28th October 2023 (extended!)
All mediums Open Submissions on the theme of growing your own produce and flowers. We’re looking forward to seeing allotments, gardens, fruit, flowers, veg, or even your favourite pot plant, represented in any medium such as painting, drawing, collage, printmaking, photography, textile and so on. We welcome and encourage 3D makers too - felting, metal work, paper, papier Mache, knitting, crochet, embroidery, ceramics, glass, jewellery in any medium. The list in endless but you get the idea, have fun with it!
Our visitors and volunteers love to see your work, every submission helps to keep Open Door’s doors open. Your work can be for sale or just for viewing. SUBMISSIONS deadline was 31st August 2023 - download full details
Thursday 28th September - Art @ Open Door Lates - come and view our exhibition out of hours and enjoy a relaxed browse with drinks and nibbles. More info and booking.
Creative Talents of Open Door
Tutors and Pupils Exhibition & workshops
Monday 31st July - 26th August 2023
During August, Open Door is inviting the community in to experience the wealth of Creative Talent amongst its artists, tutors, volunteers, hirers and pupils! Open Door is awash with talent, with regular exhibitions and a range of creative classes and workshops taking place each month for the local community to benefit from.
To showcase this talent, Open Door’s gallery walls will be filled with work from a breadth of people in the Open Door family. Featuring drawings, pottery, needle felting, crochet, paintings – the list goes on…
To further exhibit the vast creativity that goes on at Open Door, tutors and hirers are laying on a variety of free workshops throughout the month – they are all suitable for children and adults, and all free of charge – a brilliant way to try new things, or keep the kids occupied this summer!
The exhibition runs from 31st July – 26th August 2023, and is open Monday – Friday 10:30-3:30 & Saturday 10:30-1pm. Hot and cold drinks, homemade cakes, snacks and light lunches are available in Open Door’s new look donations café – see the menu at www.opendoorberkhamsted.co.uk/community-food
Find full details and book your free places at www.opendoorberkhamsted.co.uk/whats-on
Tutors and Pupils Exhibition & workshops
Monday 31st July - 26th August 2023
During August, Open Door is inviting the community in to experience the wealth of Creative Talent amongst its artists, tutors, volunteers, hirers and pupils! Open Door is awash with talent, with regular exhibitions and a range of creative classes and workshops taking place each month for the local community to benefit from.
To showcase this talent, Open Door’s gallery walls will be filled with work from a breadth of people in the Open Door family. Featuring drawings, pottery, needle felting, crochet, paintings – the list goes on…
To further exhibit the vast creativity that goes on at Open Door, tutors and hirers are laying on a variety of free workshops throughout the month – they are all suitable for children and adults, and all free of charge – a brilliant way to try new things, or keep the kids occupied this summer!
The exhibition runs from 31st July – 26th August 2023, and is open Monday – Friday 10:30-3:30 & Saturday 10:30-1pm. Hot and cold drinks, homemade cakes, snacks and light lunches are available in Open Door’s new look donations café – see the menu at www.opendoorberkhamsted.co.uk/community-food
Find full details and book your free places at www.opendoorberkhamsted.co.uk/whats-on
'Indian Summer' - Make & Mend exhibition and events
Friday 21st - Friday 28th July 2023
Our talented Make & Mend tutors have worked their stitching magic, creating pieces that include dazzling children's party dresses, floaty jackets, earrings, bags, bunting and more, all available for you to browse and purchase in our Indian Summer exhibition.
The exhibition will kick of with an 'Indian Summer' evening on Friday 21st July, 7-9pm - a chance to browse the pieces whilst sipping on some fizz and enjoying Indian nibbles - find out more and buy tickets.
All funds raised will go towards developing Open Door's Make & Mend project which was set up to encourage a more sustainable use of fashion and textiles, through workshops and events to equip people with the skills and confidence to make and repair their own clothes & textiles.
A list of future Make & Mend workshops will be available on the evening / at exhibition, as well - find all upcoming classes at on our Make & Mend page
Friday 21st - Friday 28th July 2023
Our talented Make & Mend tutors have worked their stitching magic, creating pieces that include dazzling children's party dresses, floaty jackets, earrings, bags, bunting and more, all available for you to browse and purchase in our Indian Summer exhibition.
The exhibition will kick of with an 'Indian Summer' evening on Friday 21st July, 7-9pm - a chance to browse the pieces whilst sipping on some fizz and enjoying Indian nibbles - find out more and buy tickets.
All funds raised will go towards developing Open Door's Make & Mend project which was set up to encourage a more sustainable use of fashion and textiles, through workshops and events to equip people with the skills and confidence to make and repair their own clothes & textiles.
A list of future Make & Mend workshops will be available on the evening / at exhibition, as well - find all upcoming classes at on our Make & Mend page
'Generations' - Katie Jones, Carol Moss and the Canvas Crew Clubbers
Monday 3rd - Wednesday 19th July 2023 (extended from 15th!)
A celebration of the role art can play in our lives, whatever our age!
Katie Jones is a Berkhamsted artist who runs ‘Canvas Crew’ clubs at Bridgewater Primary School, as well as workshops for children and adults. The after-school crew, aged between 8 and 11, have chosen their favourite pieces to share, all created at the club – from colourful abstracts to landscapes painted with coffee.
Carol Moss is Katie’s mum! She’s been painting for more than 20 years, but this is only the second time she’s exhibited. Carol is currently exploring abstraction and different ways to represent landscapes. Katie loves bold marks, colour and texture, and these are in abundance in her landscapes, still lifes and abstracts.
Katie and Carol’s work is available to buy, as well as prints and cards.
Monday 3rd - Wednesday 19th July 2023 (extended from 15th!)
A celebration of the role art can play in our lives, whatever our age!
Katie Jones is a Berkhamsted artist who runs ‘Canvas Crew’ clubs at Bridgewater Primary School, as well as workshops for children and adults. The after-school crew, aged between 8 and 11, have chosen their favourite pieces to share, all created at the club – from colourful abstracts to landscapes painted with coffee.
Carol Moss is Katie’s mum! She’s been painting for more than 20 years, but this is only the second time she’s exhibited. Carol is currently exploring abstraction and different ways to represent landscapes. Katie loves bold marks, colour and texture, and these are in abundance in her landscapes, still lifes and abstracts.
Katie and Carol’s work is available to buy, as well as prints and cards.
Affordable Art Exhibition and Sale
Monday 12th - Saturday 24th June 2023
Over the course of our many exhibitions, artists have generously donated pieces of work to us. These have been shown in exhibitions and displayed elsewhere in the building over the years.
To celebrate Bucks Art Week, we are showing off these pieces in a special exhibition - and selling them too, so that you can enjoy them at home instead of them hiding away in storage at Open Door.
It's an 'affordable' art exhibition and sale because some items are in need of a bit of TLC, perhaps a new frame or mount to give them a new lease of life, but also because we believe that everyone should be able to own some art that they love.
Come and view the work between 12th June to 24th June and if you’d like to give a piece a new home, put a bid into the box in the café. While you’re here, why not stay for a drink or a bite to eat in our new look donations café!
Alternatively, you can view the items below, and send your bids to art@opendoorberkhamsted.co.uk bid by 25th June - please ensure you include the image number (next to each piece) and your bid.
Highest bidders will be contacted during week commencing 26th June and will be able to collect and pay for their new piece of art that week, between Mon 26th June to Saturday 1st July.
All funds raised will go towards the purchase of a defibrillator for Open Door, thank you for your support.
View the pieces here.... you can click to expand & flick through if you'd like!
Monday 12th - Saturday 24th June 2023
Over the course of our many exhibitions, artists have generously donated pieces of work to us. These have been shown in exhibitions and displayed elsewhere in the building over the years.
To celebrate Bucks Art Week, we are showing off these pieces in a special exhibition - and selling them too, so that you can enjoy them at home instead of them hiding away in storage at Open Door.
It's an 'affordable' art exhibition and sale because some items are in need of a bit of TLC, perhaps a new frame or mount to give them a new lease of life, but also because we believe that everyone should be able to own some art that they love.
Come and view the work between 12th June to 24th June and if you’d like to give a piece a new home, put a bid into the box in the café. While you’re here, why not stay for a drink or a bite to eat in our new look donations café!
Alternatively, you can view the items below, and send your bids to art@opendoorberkhamsted.co.uk bid by 25th June - please ensure you include the image number (next to each piece) and your bid.
Highest bidders will be contacted during week commencing 26th June and will be able to collect and pay for their new piece of art that week, between Mon 26th June to Saturday 1st July.
All funds raised will go towards the purchase of a defibrillator for Open Door, thank you for your support.
View the pieces here.... you can click to expand & flick through if you'd like!
Rotary Youth Competitions Exhibition: Young Photographer 2023 and Dacorum Young Artist 2023
Friday 26th May - Saturday 10th June 2023
DYA, now in its 9th year, is open to Year 4 & 5 students in Dacorum Borough and featured work from 22 schools this year. Usually there is no set theme for the competition and the work exhibited represents material created over the course of the school year. There were 663 entrants this year. The judges chose one entry from each of the 22 schools as ‘Best in School’ and they are to be displayed at Open Door.
Young Photographer competition - a ‘free to enter’, Dacorum-wide event for young people between the ages of 7 and 17 run by the Rotary. The theme this year was ‘The Beauty of Architecture’ and the many entries were of a very high standard. They were judged in three entry categories based upon age - come and see the winners and entrants, they are incredible!
Friday 26th May - Saturday 10th June 2023
DYA, now in its 9th year, is open to Year 4 & 5 students in Dacorum Borough and featured work from 22 schools this year. Usually there is no set theme for the competition and the work exhibited represents material created over the course of the school year. There were 663 entrants this year. The judges chose one entry from each of the 22 schools as ‘Best in School’ and they are to be displayed at Open Door.
Young Photographer competition - a ‘free to enter’, Dacorum-wide event for young people between the ages of 7 and 17 run by the Rotary. The theme this year was ‘The Beauty of Architecture’ and the many entries were of a very high standard. They were judged in three entry categories based upon age - come and see the winners and entrants, they are incredible!
SpringTime
Monday April 17th to Saturday May 13th 2023
Submit artwork:
- We're welcoming makers & artists of all kinds to fill Open Door with wonderful pieces on the theme of SpringTime. Whether you're a ceramicist, painter, photographer, illustrator or someone just starting out or making art for fun, we want to hear from you! All ages and mediums welcome. Deadline for submissions Thursday 6th April - download full details in our call for submissions document.
- Monday April 17th to Saturday May 13th 2023
- All items are for sale!
Berkhamsted Creative Challenge: Doors
Monday 3rd - Saturday 13th May April 2023 (in the back studio)
The Berkhamsted Creative Challenge runs a monthly themed task for local creatives, and we're delighted they will be exhibiting in the back studio at Open Door in April.
Submit artwork:
Monday 3rd - Saturday 13th May April 2023 (in the back studio)
The Berkhamsted Creative Challenge runs a monthly themed task for local creatives, and we're delighted they will be exhibiting in the back studio at Open Door in April.
Submit artwork:
- To take part join the Facebook group to see details of each months' challenge, which this time is “DOORS”. Deadline midnight on Friday 31st March.
- Monday 3rd - Friday 28th April 2023 (in the back studio)
- All items are for sale!
SNAP! Showing off your local photos
Monday 6th March - Thursday 6th April 2023
Submit snaps to be displayed:
Monday 6th March - Thursday 6th April 2023
Submit snaps to be displayed:
- Take part in this fun exhibition by bringing up to 3 of your favourite local photos (printed) for us to display. Free to enter - everyone & all ages welcome - see full details of how to enter.
- Exhibition open Monday 6th March - Thursday 6th April 2023
Winter Wonderland - open submissions exhibition
Monday 5th December - Saturday 28th January 2023 (note Christmas closing dates here)
We are delighted to have received so many sparkling interpretations of our exhibition's theme - 'Winter Wonderland'.
The exhibition is jam packed with submissions from local artists and makers - there is textiles, paintings, needle felting, ceramics, greetings cards, Christmas decorations, glasswork, decoupage - it really is incredible, and so varied!
Read more about the Open Submissions here and keep an eye on this page for future Calls for Submissions.
Monday 5th December - Saturday 28th January 2023 (note Christmas closing dates here)
We are delighted to have received so many sparkling interpretations of our exhibition's theme - 'Winter Wonderland'.
The exhibition is jam packed with submissions from local artists and makers - there is textiles, paintings, needle felting, ceramics, greetings cards, Christmas decorations, glasswork, decoupage - it really is incredible, and so varied!
Read more about the Open Submissions here and keep an eye on this page for future Calls for Submissions.
Creative Collective
Monday 21st Nov – Saturday 3rd December
Festive exhibition & pop up shop featuring a variety of local crafts people. Come and have a look!
Monday 21st Nov – Saturday 3rd December
Festive exhibition & pop up shop featuring a variety of local crafts people. Come and have a look!
Under the Sun - A selection of London and coastal landscapes by David Downes
Monday 24th October - Saturday 12th November
David Downes is a brilliant landscape painter who amplifies the sense of place and time through the lens of autism. After graduating with an MA from the Royal College of Art in Communication Design in 1996, David was commissioned by the BBC to record the Corporation’s most important architecture at the turn of the century. In 2012, David was commissioned by the Savoy to paint the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant from the Roof of the Savoy. In 2019, David was commissioned by ITV to create a giant mural for the launch of a new period drama depicting the fictional coastal town of Sanditon based on Jane Austen’s last and unfinished novel.
David’s life and career are the subject of a book written by Shelia Paine entitled ‘Artists Emerging, Sustaining Expression Through Drawing, published by Ashgate Publishing Limited (28 Nov. 2000) published in 2000, which explores the mysteries of drawing fluency through the work of seven artists. David recalls how he could communicate through drawing before he could talk. From the age of 5, David could draw perspective and his drawings appeared in the book, Six Children Draw, also by Sheila Paine, published by Academic Press Inc (1 Nov. 1981).
“My work focuses on the juxtaposition of history and modernity; graveyards lie next to modern offices; ageing churches stand in built up areas and in remote country-sides. I often paint my scenes from an aerial position, imagining the way the landscape would look when viewed from that angle. In this way my work is a meeting of realism and imagination. I am focused and can capture architecture and landscapes in vivid detail.”
David is an active supporter of the National Autistic Society and was made a Vice President of the Society in 2012. David regularly speaks on behalf of the charity and paints live at fundraising events.
David recently returned from California where he was working for three years under a US artist’s visa and he now lives and works in Manningtree Essex with his partner Rachel, daughter Talia and their dog Winston.
Monday 24th October - Saturday 12th November
David Downes is a brilliant landscape painter who amplifies the sense of place and time through the lens of autism. After graduating with an MA from the Royal College of Art in Communication Design in 1996, David was commissioned by the BBC to record the Corporation’s most important architecture at the turn of the century. In 2012, David was commissioned by the Savoy to paint the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant from the Roof of the Savoy. In 2019, David was commissioned by ITV to create a giant mural for the launch of a new period drama depicting the fictional coastal town of Sanditon based on Jane Austen’s last and unfinished novel.
David’s life and career are the subject of a book written by Shelia Paine entitled ‘Artists Emerging, Sustaining Expression Through Drawing, published by Ashgate Publishing Limited (28 Nov. 2000) published in 2000, which explores the mysteries of drawing fluency through the work of seven artists. David recalls how he could communicate through drawing before he could talk. From the age of 5, David could draw perspective and his drawings appeared in the book, Six Children Draw, also by Sheila Paine, published by Academic Press Inc (1 Nov. 1981).
“My work focuses on the juxtaposition of history and modernity; graveyards lie next to modern offices; ageing churches stand in built up areas and in remote country-sides. I often paint my scenes from an aerial position, imagining the way the landscape would look when viewed from that angle. In this way my work is a meeting of realism and imagination. I am focused and can capture architecture and landscapes in vivid detail.”
David is an active supporter of the National Autistic Society and was made a Vice President of the Society in 2012. David regularly speaks on behalf of the charity and paints live at fundraising events.
David recently returned from California where he was working for three years under a US artist’s visa and he now lives and works in Manningtree Essex with his partner Rachel, daughter Talia and their dog Winston.
- In addition, to complement the exhibition, we are pleased to host art historian and critic Estelle Lovatt FRSA for a special talk, on Tuesday 8th November, 7-8:30pm where she will share her vast knowledge of the artist who inspires Downes the most. More information and tickets at https://tockify.com/opendoorberkhamsted/detail/82/1666720800000
- David hosted a Private View on Sunday 23rd October between 12noon and 3pm in the Gallery - for more information see https://tockify.com/opendoorberkhamsted/detail/76/1666526400000
Susan Cooke - The Limen exhibition at Open Door
Friday 7th - Friday 21st October 2022
The Limen: a visual exploration of how we make boundaries.
In this recent body of work called The Limen, (using the psychological and physiological definition as that imperceptible threshold that we only experience when a sensation becomes uncomfortable), Hertfordshire artist Susan Cooke uses the visual metaphor of the coastline.
Private view Sunday 16th October 12noon - 4pm, with a short artist’s talk at 14.30pm.
Friday 7th - Friday 21st October 2022
The Limen: a visual exploration of how we make boundaries.
In this recent body of work called The Limen, (using the psychological and physiological definition as that imperceptible threshold that we only experience when a sensation becomes uncomfortable), Hertfordshire artist Susan Cooke uses the visual metaphor of the coastline.
Private view Sunday 16th October 12noon - 4pm, with a short artist’s talk at 14.30pm.
'Brushstrokes', part of Herts Open Studios
Tuesday 20th September - Wednesday 5th October
Brushstrokes are a group of friends who regularly paint together, using different media in their work all with varied styles and approaches. The challenge of exploring a range of subjects- still life to seascapes, landscape to figurative work- keeps them motivated and enthusiastic. There are 5 artists in BRUSHstrokes – Barbara Burrows, Liz Hudson,Sarah Naylor-Smith, Hazel Salmon and Morag Watkins. More info at www.hvaf.org.uk/open-studios/2022/brushstrokes
Tuesday 20th September - Wednesday 5th October
Brushstrokes are a group of friends who regularly paint together, using different media in their work all with varied styles and approaches. The challenge of exploring a range of subjects- still life to seascapes, landscape to figurative work- keeps them motivated and enthusiastic. There are 5 artists in BRUSHstrokes – Barbara Burrows, Liz Hudson,Sarah Naylor-Smith, Hazel Salmon and Morag Watkins. More info at www.hvaf.org.uk/open-studios/2022/brushstrokes
New exhibition - People at work - an exhibition of Berkhamsted's industrial heritage
Wednesday 14th - Saturday 17th September
We're delighted to welcome Berkhamsted Local History and Museum Society's new exhibition into the back room at Open Door (alongside our main exhibition in the main room) - a colourful display of paintings, prints and photographs of people at work in Berkhamsted’s rich Industrial Heritage from the cottage industries of lace making and straw plaiting to the London famous Berkhamsted watercress beds and the global famous Coopers (later Welcome). Includes some fabulous line drawings by a previous employee of Clunbury Press (Coopers print works).
Wednesday 14th - Saturday 17th September
We're delighted to welcome Berkhamsted Local History and Museum Society's new exhibition into the back room at Open Door (alongside our main exhibition in the main room) - a colourful display of paintings, prints and photographs of people at work in Berkhamsted’s rich Industrial Heritage from the cottage industries of lace making and straw plaiting to the London famous Berkhamsted watercress beds and the global famous Coopers (later Welcome). Includes some fabulous line drawings by a previous employee of Clunbury Press (Coopers print works).
'It's very "Wendy"'!
Tuesday 30th August - Saturday 17th September
A retrospective exhibition for talented textile artist Wendy Archer who sadly died last year - come and see this wonderful exhibition of her paintings, etchings, textiles and embroideries.
Wendy (1949-2021) grew up in the Wembley Park and Sudbury Hill suburbs of Middlesex. She was educated at Wembley Manor Primary School, then North London Collegiate School for Girls. After her A-levels, she entered the Fine Art Foundation year at St Martin’s College of Art, but at the end, despite her talent, failed to gain a place to continue her degree. She took a post as a Trainee Tracer in the drawing office of BP Chemicals. This was to be the beginning of her career as a skilled draughtswoman, working in various industries, railways being her favourite, in particular CTRL, the Channel Tunnel Rail Link project (HS1).
Wendy’s passion and talent for art and sewing were apparent at an early age. Her primary school submitted her picture entitled “The Nest in our Tree”, made when she was 7, which gained a Highly Commended in the Junior Royal Academy. Mum, Wendy and I always took art materials with us on holiday. Even from a young age, Wendy has always taken some needlework with her, everywhere.
Whilst at St Martin’s, Wendy discovered and was distracted by her passion for print making. She continued this by attending Morley College as an evening student, eventually buying her own press, materials and equipment and making prints at home. Wendy moved to Isleworth in 1979 and lived in the same upstairs flat until the end of her life. Early in the 1980s she began attending St Mary’s Church Osterley, the parish church, and became part of the needlework team there. She contributed making preaching stoles, altar and lectern fronts, and banners, most notably involved in the making of the huge one reading “Come Close to Me” and “Go Out with Joy” that still hangs above the notice boards, concealing a large wall crack.
In 1996, a group of embroiderers including Wendy founded the Isleworth branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild. She was very active within the branch as Membership Secretary and eventually Treasurer as well. Recently the branch became Thames Side Stitchers after the collapse of the parent organisation. New ideas and techniques came from inspirational talks and workshops given by a wide range of invited speakers.
In 2006, Wendy was able to buy the ground floor flat beneath her home. This had a large back room, ideal as a studio. She was able to move the press and plan chest from her dining room and started the accumulation of amazing stocks of fabric off-cuts and samples, which she grouped by colour, as well as threads, trims etc obtained from many sources such as car boot sales. The rest of the flat she ran as a beautiful one-bedroom holiday let to supplement her pension.
In 2010, Wendy began the 2 years of City and Guilds Parts 1 and 2 in Textiles and Creative Embroidery. She gained high markings and produced beautiful portfolios of work full of technical descriptions and exercises, with particularly interesting creative challenges set in Part 2. All embroiderers have what they call “UFO”s – unfinished objects. When Wendy’s diagnosis came in January 2020, telling her she had 18 months to 2 years to live, she told the oncologist she couldn’t die so soon – she had too much to do. She set to work and finished a key project, the five richly embroidered 8”-square panels for her red box. She directed me to a storage box that contained her best completed pieces, and also a calendar envelope containing her “Shisha Mirror”. I found other unfinished delights lying on her work table and elsewhere. When the loft was emptied, her large canvases from the Foundation Year emerged, and her best prints and other treasures were found in the portfolio folder on top of the plan chest which had, up to then, been covered by other items. More prints have emerged during the emptying of the plan chest.
Wendy applied her talent for attention to detail and accuracy very fully throughout her working life, and throughout her art. At her funeral, her Vicar said “Wendy saw the detail in people, just as she put detail into her embroidery.” As we look at her art, she shares with us her joy in creativity and her view of the world.
Tuesday 30th August - Saturday 17th September
A retrospective exhibition for talented textile artist Wendy Archer who sadly died last year - come and see this wonderful exhibition of her paintings, etchings, textiles and embroideries.
Wendy (1949-2021) grew up in the Wembley Park and Sudbury Hill suburbs of Middlesex. She was educated at Wembley Manor Primary School, then North London Collegiate School for Girls. After her A-levels, she entered the Fine Art Foundation year at St Martin’s College of Art, but at the end, despite her talent, failed to gain a place to continue her degree. She took a post as a Trainee Tracer in the drawing office of BP Chemicals. This was to be the beginning of her career as a skilled draughtswoman, working in various industries, railways being her favourite, in particular CTRL, the Channel Tunnel Rail Link project (HS1).
Wendy’s passion and talent for art and sewing were apparent at an early age. Her primary school submitted her picture entitled “The Nest in our Tree”, made when she was 7, which gained a Highly Commended in the Junior Royal Academy. Mum, Wendy and I always took art materials with us on holiday. Even from a young age, Wendy has always taken some needlework with her, everywhere.
Whilst at St Martin’s, Wendy discovered and was distracted by her passion for print making. She continued this by attending Morley College as an evening student, eventually buying her own press, materials and equipment and making prints at home. Wendy moved to Isleworth in 1979 and lived in the same upstairs flat until the end of her life. Early in the 1980s she began attending St Mary’s Church Osterley, the parish church, and became part of the needlework team there. She contributed making preaching stoles, altar and lectern fronts, and banners, most notably involved in the making of the huge one reading “Come Close to Me” and “Go Out with Joy” that still hangs above the notice boards, concealing a large wall crack.
In 1996, a group of embroiderers including Wendy founded the Isleworth branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild. She was very active within the branch as Membership Secretary and eventually Treasurer as well. Recently the branch became Thames Side Stitchers after the collapse of the parent organisation. New ideas and techniques came from inspirational talks and workshops given by a wide range of invited speakers.
In 2006, Wendy was able to buy the ground floor flat beneath her home. This had a large back room, ideal as a studio. She was able to move the press and plan chest from her dining room and started the accumulation of amazing stocks of fabric off-cuts and samples, which she grouped by colour, as well as threads, trims etc obtained from many sources such as car boot sales. The rest of the flat she ran as a beautiful one-bedroom holiday let to supplement her pension.
In 2010, Wendy began the 2 years of City and Guilds Parts 1 and 2 in Textiles and Creative Embroidery. She gained high markings and produced beautiful portfolios of work full of technical descriptions and exercises, with particularly interesting creative challenges set in Part 2. All embroiderers have what they call “UFO”s – unfinished objects. When Wendy’s diagnosis came in January 2020, telling her she had 18 months to 2 years to live, she told the oncologist she couldn’t die so soon – she had too much to do. She set to work and finished a key project, the five richly embroidered 8”-square panels for her red box. She directed me to a storage box that contained her best completed pieces, and also a calendar envelope containing her “Shisha Mirror”. I found other unfinished delights lying on her work table and elsewhere. When the loft was emptied, her large canvases from the Foundation Year emerged, and her best prints and other treasures were found in the portfolio folder on top of the plan chest which had, up to then, been covered by other items. More prints have emerged during the emptying of the plan chest.
Wendy applied her talent for attention to detail and accuracy very fully throughout her working life, and throughout her art. At her funeral, her Vicar said “Wendy saw the detail in people, just as she put detail into her embroidery.” As we look at her art, she shares with us her joy in creativity and her view of the world.
Summer Holiday open submissions exhibition
Monday 1st - Saturday 27th August 2022
We all love going on a Summer Holiday, whether it is to the seaside or countryside or even just visiting somewhere new for a day. So we asked local artists of all ages and media for their interpretation of their favourite Summer Holiday whether it is a story about your favourite place or something that reminds them of a special summer. Come and see this wonderfully varied exhibition!
Read full details of how you could submit here.
Monday 1st - Saturday 27th August 2022
We all love going on a Summer Holiday, whether it is to the seaside or countryside or even just visiting somewhere new for a day. So we asked local artists of all ages and media for their interpretation of their favourite Summer Holiday whether it is a story about your favourite place or something that reminds them of a special summer. Come and see this wonderfully varied exhibition!
Read full details of how you could submit here.
A Change in the Air - Documenting the changing lives of the pastoralists in Uganda
Monday 11th - Saturday 30th July 2022
It’s not every day you get to witness the eerie silence of herding hundreds of cows and goats as the sun sets in Uganda, drink warm cow’s milk from dark-black polished smoked wooden pots, sit on smooth flattened Friesian hides in thatched mud huts in the half-light while a tropical storm blows furiously outside, or listen sitting huddled together with Bahima women and their herder men while they sing and dance the beauty of their traditional Ankoli cows, or walk through wet red earth smelling the rising perfume of flowers releasing their scent in the damp evening air to reach a home of a tribal head of a cooperative.
Photojournalist and writer, Vanessa Champion has a bit of a reputation as a serial traveller. One expedition took her on a journey with International NGO PENHA (Pastoral and Environmental Network in the Horn of Africa) across Uganda visiting and documenting the Pastoralists that PENHA work with.
“It was an amazing experience to work with these gentle people whose laughter is infectious and kindness completely effervescent! As a photographer you have a responsibility to ensure you respect the people you meet and whose image and personality you capture. I love the interaction and sharing of ideas as well as the breaking of ice that photography gives you. I also love it that a photograph can tell a story and can be a real multi-lingual asset for a charitable cause.”
“On my expedition with the team in Uganda I discovered that there are rising economic and personal challenges for those Pastoralist herders whose traditions and heritage is now threatened by a more sedentary life being urged upon them from the government which is recommending that they make a seismic change to their culture and settle into a more agro-pastoralist way of life. While this is of good intention, it means that there has to be a challenging shift in how Pastoralists live their lives. I learnt more about the educational programmes which PENHA runs to support this change, the practical provision of giving pregnant cross-breed goats to pastoralist women to increase revenue, the training in crafts, the marketing guidance, personal and group support as well as lobbying at legislative level to ensure the pastoralists’ views and heritage are listened to and importantly ensuring pastoralists are included in the debate for land rights and the detrimental environmental impact this “settlement” is causing.”
Dr Vanessa Champion is a professional photographer and documentary video artist, she also is founder, editor and publisher of the Journal of Biophilic Design and a regular speaker on Biophilic Design.
www.vanessachampion.co.uk, www.journalofbiophilicdesign.com
Monday 11th - Saturday 30th July 2022
It’s not every day you get to witness the eerie silence of herding hundreds of cows and goats as the sun sets in Uganda, drink warm cow’s milk from dark-black polished smoked wooden pots, sit on smooth flattened Friesian hides in thatched mud huts in the half-light while a tropical storm blows furiously outside, or listen sitting huddled together with Bahima women and their herder men while they sing and dance the beauty of their traditional Ankoli cows, or walk through wet red earth smelling the rising perfume of flowers releasing their scent in the damp evening air to reach a home of a tribal head of a cooperative.
Photojournalist and writer, Vanessa Champion has a bit of a reputation as a serial traveller. One expedition took her on a journey with International NGO PENHA (Pastoral and Environmental Network in the Horn of Africa) across Uganda visiting and documenting the Pastoralists that PENHA work with.
“It was an amazing experience to work with these gentle people whose laughter is infectious and kindness completely effervescent! As a photographer you have a responsibility to ensure you respect the people you meet and whose image and personality you capture. I love the interaction and sharing of ideas as well as the breaking of ice that photography gives you. I also love it that a photograph can tell a story and can be a real multi-lingual asset for a charitable cause.”
“On my expedition with the team in Uganda I discovered that there are rising economic and personal challenges for those Pastoralist herders whose traditions and heritage is now threatened by a more sedentary life being urged upon them from the government which is recommending that they make a seismic change to their culture and settle into a more agro-pastoralist way of life. While this is of good intention, it means that there has to be a challenging shift in how Pastoralists live their lives. I learnt more about the educational programmes which PENHA runs to support this change, the practical provision of giving pregnant cross-breed goats to pastoralist women to increase revenue, the training in crafts, the marketing guidance, personal and group support as well as lobbying at legislative level to ensure the pastoralists’ views and heritage are listened to and importantly ensuring pastoralists are included in the debate for land rights and the detrimental environmental impact this “settlement” is causing.”
Dr Vanessa Champion is a professional photographer and documentary video artist, she also is founder, editor and publisher of the Journal of Biophilic Design and a regular speaker on Biophilic Design.
www.vanessachampion.co.uk, www.journalofbiophilicdesign.com
Dacorum Young Artists Exhibition 2022
Monday 27th June - Saturday 9th July
We are delighted to be welcoming young artists from Dacorum to exhibit their work - the theme of the competition this year was 'what your world should look like in 2050' and was open to school children in years 4 and 5.
The Best Overall, 1st, 2nd and 3rd were revealed at a prize giving ceremony at Ashlyns School in May, where pupils from all 22 participating schools were present. 1st prize went to Anna Sharf of Berkhamsted School, 2nd went to Megan Shufflebotham of Long Marston School and 3rd prize to Joseph Sebastian of Lockers Park. All three were given, in addition to their trophies, art materials and Anna Sharf was awarded the DYA Cup which she will hold for a year.
In a surprise announcement, the winner's school was awarded a 'mini forest school classroom' in their school grounds, to be sourced by the Woodlands Trust and advised by Sunnyside Rural Trust.
Monday 27th June - Saturday 9th July
We are delighted to be welcoming young artists from Dacorum to exhibit their work - the theme of the competition this year was 'what your world should look like in 2050' and was open to school children in years 4 and 5.
The Best Overall, 1st, 2nd and 3rd were revealed at a prize giving ceremony at Ashlyns School in May, where pupils from all 22 participating schools were present. 1st prize went to Anna Sharf of Berkhamsted School, 2nd went to Megan Shufflebotham of Long Marston School and 3rd prize to Joseph Sebastian of Lockers Park. All three were given, in addition to their trophies, art materials and Anna Sharf was awarded the DYA Cup which she will hold for a year.
In a surprise announcement, the winner's school was awarded a 'mini forest school classroom' in their school grounds, to be sourced by the Woodlands Trust and advised by Sunnyside Rural Trust.
Rotary Young Photographers Exhibition
Thursday 9th June - Saturday 25th June 2022
We are delighted to be welcoming back the young photographers of Dacorum schools to display their incredible photography - this year with the theme 'The Colours of Nature'. Come and see the incredible competition winners, highly commended and commended pictures - you can also buy prints should you wish!
The Rotary Young Photographer competition has been running Nationally for many years. Berkhamsted Rotary Club launched the local competition during lockdown in 2020 and made it open to all young people aged 7-17 years old. We advertised the event in the Dacorum area and Hemel Hempstead Rotary Club also helped with the advertising. The theme this year was Colours of Nature; entrants had to submit a portfolio of three pictures electronically.
There were three age related entry levels (Junior - 7 to 10 years old, Intermediate - 11 to 13 years old, Senior - 14 to 17 years old. Ownership of a fancy camera was not essential, we accepted any digital photo in .jpg format so mobile phone camera pics can also be submitted. The Chief Judge at the local level was the professional photographer Dr Vanessa Champion.
The winners of our local heat went on to win 4 of the District Final (Bed Bucks and Herts) prizes and the two winners of that heat went on to win 3rd place and Entry awards in the National Final. We are all delighted; we have some very talented young people living in the area!
More info at https://www.berkorotary.org/yp2022.htm
'Men at Work' - an exhibition of exquisite needle turned applique art by the 'Tentmakers of Cairo'
Monday 9th May - Wednesday 1st June 2022
'Men at Work’, acknowledges the fact that the artists who create khayamiya are men. Reflecting the centuries-old tradition, passed on from father to son that lies behind the work that is being created today in Chariah Al Khayamiya of Cairo today.
Monday 9th May - Wednesday 1st June 2022
'Men at Work’, acknowledges the fact that the artists who create khayamiya are men. Reflecting the centuries-old tradition, passed on from father to son that lies behind the work that is being created today in Chariah Al Khayamiya of Cairo today.
Art for Ukraine - fundraising exhibition
Tuesday 5th April - Saturday 7th May 2022
We have called upon all our lovely artists, or anyone who had a piece of art that they would like to donate, to get involved in our Art for Ukraine exhibition - and we've had an amazing response.
A huge thank to to everyone who has put work forward - proceeds from all sales will go directly to the DEC's Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal so we need people to come in and buy what catches their eye now!
The uplifting theme of sunflowers is strong across the collection, but there is a range of interesting and unique artworks available for sale, so do come and take a look, and spread the work to everyone you can.
Some of the more unusual pieces are three works donated by photographer Vernon Dewhurst - portraits of singer David Bowie taken in 1969. The images had been missing for years, but were recently tracked down in New York, and include two images from Vernon's iconic Space Oddity album cover shoot with Bowie.
The third is a triptych of images of Bowie playing at a pub gig in Beckenham later the same year. For any Bowie fans out there this is an incredible opportunity to acquire a unique photograph of the great artist, taken by a great photographer, and provide much needed help for Ukrainian refugees.
In case you can't get to Open Door to view the exhibition, you can also see the artwork HERE - please email info@opendoorberkhamsted.co.uk if you are interested in buying any pieces.
Artist credits (l-r) Vernon Dewhurst, Barbara Robjant and Christine Rollitt.
Tuesday 5th April - Saturday 7th May 2022
We have called upon all our lovely artists, or anyone who had a piece of art that they would like to donate, to get involved in our Art for Ukraine exhibition - and we've had an amazing response.
A huge thank to to everyone who has put work forward - proceeds from all sales will go directly to the DEC's Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal so we need people to come in and buy what catches their eye now!
The uplifting theme of sunflowers is strong across the collection, but there is a range of interesting and unique artworks available for sale, so do come and take a look, and spread the work to everyone you can.
Some of the more unusual pieces are three works donated by photographer Vernon Dewhurst - portraits of singer David Bowie taken in 1969. The images had been missing for years, but were recently tracked down in New York, and include two images from Vernon's iconic Space Oddity album cover shoot with Bowie.
The third is a triptych of images of Bowie playing at a pub gig in Beckenham later the same year. For any Bowie fans out there this is an incredible opportunity to acquire a unique photograph of the great artist, taken by a great photographer, and provide much needed help for Ukrainian refugees.
In case you can't get to Open Door to view the exhibition, you can also see the artwork HERE - please email info@opendoorberkhamsted.co.uk if you are interested in buying any pieces.
Artist credits (l-r) Vernon Dewhurst, Barbara Robjant and Christine Rollitt.
Laughter! It's the best medicine
An open submissions community exhibition
to spread laughter and joy
Monday 14th - Saturday 2nd April 2022
This uplifting exhibition showcases work by local artists and other members of the community, designed to bring a smile and promote well-being. Works include paintings, cartoons and photographs, sculptures, poetry and even a joke board where people have shared their favourite jokes. Local school children have got involved, submitting drawings of things that make them laugh.
“We are delighted with the mix of artwork and writing that we’ve received. People have really bought into the idea of coming together to create something to lighten spirits and bring joy in these difficult times”, says Lily Donlan, our Public Engagement in Art Project Manager, who is managing the exhibition.
She continued: “Research has shown that laughter can boost immunity as well as raise mood, so we hope that this initiative will really promote wellbeing locally, something which is central to our ethos at Open Door.”
Submission info
We want the people of Berkhamsted and beyond to welcome springtime with giggles, glee and grins on their faces ... and YOU can help us do just that! It’s been a tumultuous couple of years with relentless challenges thrown at us all, so we are determined to spread joy and laughter in 2022. Laughter has been scientifically proven to boost immunity as well as raise mood, so help us promote wellbeing and spread happiness in our community. Send us a piece of art work that you think will bring a smile to someone’s face, bring joy to their hearts, or make them laugh out loud! Our open submissions has now closed, but we're still accepting jokes - so go on, give us a giggle and send us your favourite joke! Email info@opendoorberkhamsted.co.uk with your best one liner!
To complement our Laughter - it's the best medicine! exhibition this month, we are running a series of humorous and fun-filled workshops to raise a smile and get you giggling.
Book your place at www.bookwhen.com/opendoor
Book your place at www.bookwhen.com/opendoor
An open submissions community exhibition
to spread laughter and joy
Monday 14th - Saturday 2nd April 2022
This uplifting exhibition showcases work by local artists and other members of the community, designed to bring a smile and promote well-being. Works include paintings, cartoons and photographs, sculptures, poetry and even a joke board where people have shared their favourite jokes. Local school children have got involved, submitting drawings of things that make them laugh.
“We are delighted with the mix of artwork and writing that we’ve received. People have really bought into the idea of coming together to create something to lighten spirits and bring joy in these difficult times”, says Lily Donlan, our Public Engagement in Art Project Manager, who is managing the exhibition.
She continued: “Research has shown that laughter can boost immunity as well as raise mood, so we hope that this initiative will really promote wellbeing locally, something which is central to our ethos at Open Door.”
Submission info
We want the people of Berkhamsted and beyond to welcome springtime with giggles, glee and grins on their faces ... and YOU can help us do just that! It’s been a tumultuous couple of years with relentless challenges thrown at us all, so we are determined to spread joy and laughter in 2022. Laughter has been scientifically proven to boost immunity as well as raise mood, so help us promote wellbeing and spread happiness in our community. Send us a piece of art work that you think will bring a smile to someone’s face, bring joy to their hearts, or make them laugh out loud! Our open submissions has now closed, but we're still accepting jokes - so go on, give us a giggle and send us your favourite joke! Email info@opendoorberkhamsted.co.uk with your best one liner!
To complement our Laughter - it's the best medicine! exhibition this month, we are running a series of humorous and fun-filled workshops to raise a smile and get you giggling.
- Saturday 26th March, 10:30-12:30 - Laughter Cartoon Drawing workshop with Louise Williams
- Saturday 26 March, 10:30-11:30am Laughter Yoga for adults
Book your place at www.bookwhen.com/opendoor
- Saturday 26 March, 12-1pm Laughter Yoga for families
Book your place at www.bookwhen.com/opendoor
A retrospective of Richard Keith Wolff's photography, selected from the photographer’s personal collection
Monday 21st February - Saturday 12th March 2022
A best kept secret is the rarely seen photographic prints of Richard Keith Wolff. Although he was an rostrum cameraman, he was also a Stills Photographer producing some unique photographic images, ranging from pictures of musicians from the late 60s of the likes of John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix and also of other types of artists along the way. Richard Keith Wolff feels that music is not only found in the world of sound but can be seen in the visible world too!
Richard Keith Wolff has worked as an animation cameraman and stills photographer from the late 60s mainly in London but also in Los Angeles for three years. He has made a number of short independent films. He is the author of the book “Moonlighted Photography” (2022) by Richard Keith Wolff, available on amazon.com.
Monday 21st February - Saturday 12th March 2022
A best kept secret is the rarely seen photographic prints of Richard Keith Wolff. Although he was an rostrum cameraman, he was also a Stills Photographer producing some unique photographic images, ranging from pictures of musicians from the late 60s of the likes of John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix and also of other types of artists along the way. Richard Keith Wolff feels that music is not only found in the world of sound but can be seen in the visible world too!
Richard Keith Wolff has worked as an animation cameraman and stills photographer from the late 60s mainly in London but also in Los Angeles for three years. He has made a number of short independent films. He is the author of the book “Moonlighted Photography” (2022) by Richard Keith Wolff, available on amazon.com.
African Odyssey - A Common Thread
An exhibition of African textiles with accompanying talk and workshops
Monday 31st January - Saturday 19th February 2022
Three established textile artists from across the UK will present a new body of work in Berkhamsted, using fabrics and inspiration from Africa as their ‘common thread’.
Janice Gunner, Liz Hewitt and Magie Relph, three friends who share a passion for using African fabrics in their work, have joined forces to present this exciting and varied exhibition at Open Door community arts space. Each artist has brought their own interpretation to the theme and incorporated their actual and metaphorical travels through fabric, in order to share their African Odyssey with the public.
The exhibition will showcase a wide variety of techniques, including hand and machine stitching, weaving and quilting, in a stunning combination of colours and textures.
There will be a series of workshops and events associated with the exhibition, as follows:
An exhibition of African textiles with accompanying talk and workshops
Monday 31st January - Saturday 19th February 2022
Three established textile artists from across the UK will present a new body of work in Berkhamsted, using fabrics and inspiration from Africa as their ‘common thread’.
Janice Gunner, Liz Hewitt and Magie Relph, three friends who share a passion for using African fabrics in their work, have joined forces to present this exciting and varied exhibition at Open Door community arts space. Each artist has brought their own interpretation to the theme and incorporated their actual and metaphorical travels through fabric, in order to share their African Odyssey with the public.
The exhibition will showcase a wide variety of techniques, including hand and machine stitching, weaving and quilting, in a stunning combination of colours and textures.
There will be a series of workshops and events associated with the exhibition, as follows:
- A Common Thread - a talk by textile artist Magie Relph - Monday 31st January 1.30pm - £7.50
- Little pieces of Africa – a workshop with textile artist Janice Gunner - Tuesday 8th February 1:30-4:30pm - £25 per person
- African Odyssey fabric book-making workshop with textile artist Liz Hewitt - Saturday 19th February 10.30am - 1pm - £25 per person
Hidden Treasures
Monday 6th December '21 - Saturday 22nd January 2022
As we came to the end of 2021, we called upon local artists to dig deep in their studio, search through the stacks of work on the shelves, or packed away in cupboards, to find those hidden treasures within, and give them their chance to shine.
We have welcomed submissions from artists across all creative media - textiles, jewellery, installations, film, photography, music, written word and more - find full details of how to submit - submissions now closed.
Monday 6th December '21 - Saturday 22nd January 2022
As we came to the end of 2021, we called upon local artists to dig deep in their studio, search through the stacks of work on the shelves, or packed away in cupboards, to find those hidden treasures within, and give them their chance to shine.
We have welcomed submissions from artists across all creative media - textiles, jewellery, installations, film, photography, music, written word and more - find full details of how to submit - submissions now closed.
'Painting & Turning: a debut exhibition by Charlotte and David Vesey'
Monday 22nd November - Saturday 4th December 2021
Berkhamsted husband and wife duo Charlotte and David both found their true passion as artists only after retirement, and have been developing their work ever since.
David focuses on wood as a medium, and Charlotte uses watercolours, pencil and innovative acrylic techniques to achieve her colourful, dynamic pieces.
Charlotte had painted on and off all her life, but after she retired, she finally found the time to develop and finesse her craft. She is a multifaceted artist, using a variety of media, including most recently experimenting with acrylic pouring, using specially mixed liquid paint to produce unique effects. Some of the techniques she employs to create her works include blowing through a straw, mixing paint in layers and then pouring, and even using a bath chain to create striking patterning!
David derives his inspiration from the appearance of the initial piece of wood itself, from ceramics, from the work of master wood turners and from the 'poetry of machinery'. Starting from simple sketches to form a rough idea of the final shape, he refines this as the work proceeds on the lathe. The results are sumptuous, elegant works in wood that are temptingly tactile and glowing with life. David says: " I have always been interested in making things and understanding how stuff works. I have early memories of watching my grandfather turn wood on a treadle lathe and me taking old clocks and toys to pieces ...and failing to reassemble them!" "I have turned wood occasionally for many years, but it was only when I retired from a career in structural engineering that I bought a large lathe and started turning more seriously."
Monday 22nd November - Saturday 4th December 2021
Berkhamsted husband and wife duo Charlotte and David both found their true passion as artists only after retirement, and have been developing their work ever since.
David focuses on wood as a medium, and Charlotte uses watercolours, pencil and innovative acrylic techniques to achieve her colourful, dynamic pieces.
Charlotte had painted on and off all her life, but after she retired, she finally found the time to develop and finesse her craft. She is a multifaceted artist, using a variety of media, including most recently experimenting with acrylic pouring, using specially mixed liquid paint to produce unique effects. Some of the techniques she employs to create her works include blowing through a straw, mixing paint in layers and then pouring, and even using a bath chain to create striking patterning!
David derives his inspiration from the appearance of the initial piece of wood itself, from ceramics, from the work of master wood turners and from the 'poetry of machinery'. Starting from simple sketches to form a rough idea of the final shape, he refines this as the work proceeds on the lathe. The results are sumptuous, elegant works in wood that are temptingly tactile and glowing with life. David says: " I have always been interested in making things and understanding how stuff works. I have early memories of watching my grandfather turn wood on a treadle lathe and me taking old clocks and toys to pieces ...and failing to reassemble them!" "I have turned wood occasionally for many years, but it was only when I retired from a career in structural engineering that I bought a large lathe and started turning more seriously."
'Coming Home' by Kim Major-George
1st - 13th November 2021
An exhibition of beautiful hand-pulled collagraphs by artist and printmaker Kim Major-George. The artworks are all on the theme of home and homelessness, created during the lockdowns we all experienced during 2020-21. We will also be displaying poetry and written word submissions from the community alongside the fabulous artworks, and hosting a Coffee Morning in aid of DENS, our local homelessness charity, on Wednesday 10th November. We are looking for poetry and written word submissions to complement Kim’s work in the exhibition - full details here - submissions now closed.
1st - 13th November 2021
An exhibition of beautiful hand-pulled collagraphs by artist and printmaker Kim Major-George. The artworks are all on the theme of home and homelessness, created during the lockdowns we all experienced during 2020-21. We will also be displaying poetry and written word submissions from the community alongside the fabulous artworks, and hosting a Coffee Morning in aid of DENS, our local homelessness charity, on Wednesday 10th November. We are looking for poetry and written word submissions to complement Kim’s work in the exhibition - full details here - submissions now closed.
Art Matters
18th - 30th October 2021
A wonderful exhibition of art produced at Edwina Wilks's online art classes, during lockdown. There is artwork aplenty at this hugely colourful and inspiring exhibition!
Edwina says "I just can't believe all of the amazing work that my students produced during Zoom classes -
it shows clearly that 'art really does matter'! Please do come and have a look at the pieces on display - it will
definitely motivate you to have a go, and is such a feast of colours."
Find out more about Edwina's classes at www.facebook.com/edwinawilksart
18th - 30th October 2021
A wonderful exhibition of art produced at Edwina Wilks's online art classes, during lockdown. There is artwork aplenty at this hugely colourful and inspiring exhibition!
Edwina says "I just can't believe all of the amazing work that my students produced during Zoom classes -
it shows clearly that 'art really does matter'! Please do come and have a look at the pieces on display - it will
definitely motivate you to have a go, and is such a feast of colours."
Find out more about Edwina's classes at www.facebook.com/edwinawilksart
The Colour and the Shape - an exhibition of new works by Catherine Hay and Anil Mistry
4th - 16th October 2021
Our latest exhibition brings a riot of colour and dynamic shapes to the gallery space at Open Door, with a joint exhibition of work by two very talented Berkhamsted artists - The Colour and the Shape - an exhibition of new works by Catherine Hay and Anil Mistry.
Working in response to the restrictions and challenges of the past months lived during the pandemic, these two artists have created strikingly different, but beautifully complementary collections of work to form this exhibition.
A self taught artist, Catherine Hay started her career as a portrait artist, but in recent years her work has centred around landscape and abstract painting - find out more at catherinehayartist.com
Anil Mistry is a mixed media artist, whose work focuses on creating new interpretations of urban landscapes that are abstract in nature, compelling yet warmly familiar. Find out more at anilmistryart.com www.anilmistryart.com
Working in response to the restrictions and challenges of the past months lived during the pandemic, these two artists have created strikingly different, but beautifully complementary collections of work to form this exhibition.
A self taught artist, Catherine Hay started her career as a portrait artist, but in recent years her work has centred around landscape and abstract painting - find out more at catherinehayartist.com
Anil Mistry is a mixed media artist, whose work focuses on creating new interpretations of urban landscapes that are abstract in nature, compelling yet warmly familiar. Find out more at anilmistryart.com www.anilmistryart.com
Dacorum Young Artists Rotary Schools competition winners
20th September - 2nd October 2021
We were delighted to host an exhibition of Dacorum Schools Young Artists 2021 Winners this September! The annual competition for school children (years 4 &5) in Dacorum aims to foster art in the face of pressure from mainstream subjects. Organised by Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead Rotary Clubs, The Arts Society Gade Valley and Ashridge DFAS. Part of #HertsOpenStudios. Find out more at https://berkorotary.org or www.facebook.com/berkorotary
PERU1982 by photographer Tony Hutchings
24th August - 4th September 2021
Inspired by last year’s lockdown, professional photographer Tony Hutchings has published a unique collection of photographs taken on his six month 15,000km journey around Peru in 1982, much of it driving a second-hand VW Beetle.
The book, designed by Wayne Ford, features 168 images that beautifully capture the history, culture, people and majestic landscapes of a country emerging from 12 years of military dictatorship. Tony became fascinated by Peru after seeing a film about the Andes, reading National Geographic articles and hearing stories from Peruvians living in London. Determined to see for himself, Tony left his London studio and set off with camping equipment, a South America handbook, two Hasselblads and as much Kodak Ektachrome film as he could carry. ‘Peru 1982’ documents Tony’s incredible adventure, exploring Peru’s cities, villages and some of the remotest parts of the country. He first travelled south from capital Lima, along the Pan American Highway and up into the high plains above 3500m; then east from Lima to Huancayo and north to Equador, via Ancash, taking in the breathtaking Cordillera Blanca. Next stop was Cuzco in time for the vibrant Inti Raymi festival of the sun, held on winter solstice, before exploring Inca sites and taking a spectacular train journey to Puno, to stay with a family on Isla Taquile in Lake Titicaca. The final trip was to the Amazon, staying at La Brisa on Laguna Yarinacocha and visiting the nearby Shipibo village settlement. The last leg took in a Campa Indian settlement on the Rio Pichis before returning to Pucalpa and then flying to Iquitos, the Amazon city of half a million people, only accessible by air or boat.
Last year’s lockdown gave Tony the time and inspiration to complete the project started almost 40 years ago. “Having fallen in love with Peru, its people and its spectacular scenery in 1982 and seeing how nature, humans and economics are having such an impact on its future, I felt compelled to provide a photographic record in print, so people can share some of my experiences,” said Tony. “Some of my lasting memories are of the warmth and hospitality of Peruvians, despite considerable poverty in some of the remoter locations.”
The limited edition Peru 1982, 220-page hardbound book (20cm x 20cm), printed using top quality litho art printing, is available for £39 in the UK at www.peru1982.com For more information, high resolution photographs or to request a pdf review copy, please contact Tony Hutchings at tony@tonyhutchings.co.uk / 07836 322800.You can also see more images at www.instagram.com/peru.1982 and visit www.tonyhutchings.co.uk
The book, designed by Wayne Ford, features 168 images that beautifully capture the history, culture, people and majestic landscapes of a country emerging from 12 years of military dictatorship. Tony became fascinated by Peru after seeing a film about the Andes, reading National Geographic articles and hearing stories from Peruvians living in London. Determined to see for himself, Tony left his London studio and set off with camping equipment, a South America handbook, two Hasselblads and as much Kodak Ektachrome film as he could carry. ‘Peru 1982’ documents Tony’s incredible adventure, exploring Peru’s cities, villages and some of the remotest parts of the country. He first travelled south from capital Lima, along the Pan American Highway and up into the high plains above 3500m; then east from Lima to Huancayo and north to Equador, via Ancash, taking in the breathtaking Cordillera Blanca. Next stop was Cuzco in time for the vibrant Inti Raymi festival of the sun, held on winter solstice, before exploring Inca sites and taking a spectacular train journey to Puno, to stay with a family on Isla Taquile in Lake Titicaca. The final trip was to the Amazon, staying at La Brisa on Laguna Yarinacocha and visiting the nearby Shipibo village settlement. The last leg took in a Campa Indian settlement on the Rio Pichis before returning to Pucalpa and then flying to Iquitos, the Amazon city of half a million people, only accessible by air or boat.
Last year’s lockdown gave Tony the time and inspiration to complete the project started almost 40 years ago. “Having fallen in love with Peru, its people and its spectacular scenery in 1982 and seeing how nature, humans and economics are having such an impact on its future, I felt compelled to provide a photographic record in print, so people can share some of my experiences,” said Tony. “Some of my lasting memories are of the warmth and hospitality of Peruvians, despite considerable poverty in some of the remoter locations.”
The limited edition Peru 1982, 220-page hardbound book (20cm x 20cm), printed using top quality litho art printing, is available for £39 in the UK at www.peru1982.com For more information, high resolution photographs or to request a pdf review copy, please contact Tony Hutchings at tony@tonyhutchings.co.uk / 07836 322800.You can also see more images at www.instagram.com/peru.1982 and visit www.tonyhutchings.co.uk
'Berkhamsted's got Talent' textiles exhibition
13th July - 21st August 2021
'Berkhamsted's Got Talent' will showcase fabulous textile creations from talented local artists and crafters. For more info and details of how to submit click here
Renewals
June/July 2021
We invited artists across all media to submit their interpretations on the theme of 'Renewals - New Beginnings'. For more info and details of how to submit click here and here.
Young Photographers exhibition
Monday 17 May to Saturday 29 May 2021
We are delighted to be hosting the winning entries from the Rotary Berkhamsted's Young Photographer Competition. The theme of 'Wild Nature' inspired a breath-taking collection of images from budding young local photographers, between the ages of seven and 17.
Creative Escapes
1-12th June 2021
Over the last few months, the Canvas Crew have been running workshops and clubs on Zoom - providing a much-needed creative outlet for children and adults.
The exhibition brings together many of the paintings created in these sessions - only seen on a screen until now! It's a celebration of the beautiful art being created in homes around Hertfordshire.
Find out more about The Canvas Crew's workshops by visiting their website - or drop Katie Jones a line at hello@thecanvascrew.co.uk
The exhibition brings together many of the paintings created in these sessions - only seen on a screen until now! It's a celebration of the beautiful art being created in homes around Hertfordshire.
Find out more about The Canvas Crew's workshops by visiting their website - or drop Katie Jones a line at hello@thecanvascrew.co.uk
Smile online exhibition
We're sharing the fantastic art local children are making to make you smile! Do keep sending photos of their paintings, drawings, sculptures – or any other type of art – to comms@opendoorberkhamsted.co.uk. And follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see the latest lovely pieces.
Home Comforts online exhibition
After the difficult year we've all had, we wanted to put on an open exhibition that would make everyone feel warm and cosy – so we chose the theme Home Comforts.
Because of the latest lockdown, we've had to temporarily close our doors, so we're sharing the beautiful work of local artist online! Many are for sale, so hover over each picture for details and contact us at info@opendoorberkhamsted.co.uk if there's anything you're interested in buying.
Because of the latest lockdown, we've had to temporarily close our doors, so we're sharing the beautiful work of local artist online! Many are for sale, so hover over each picture for details and contact us at info@opendoorberkhamsted.co.uk if there's anything you're interested in buying.
Anil Mistry and Catherine Hay – Land & Sky
November & December 2020
In June, Catherine and Anil enrolled in an international online art marketing course. You can imagine their surprise in discovering another Berko artist on there! The rest, as they say, is history... After a summer where art exhibitions have been predominantly online, Catherine and Anil are delighted to now be joining forces to bring you Land & Sky. See the entire exhibition.
Catherine is sharing a collection of skyscapes, landscapes and abstracts. She says: “I started as a figurative painter, but two years ago I painted a skyscape which totally changed the way I work. I discovered that by being a little less worried about detail and a little more focused on feeling I could flourish as an artist.
"The pieces I am showing in the exhibition are bold, textured oils, painted to evoke a thought, a feeling, an emotion... I hope they do just that."
In addition to the originals, Catherine will also be offering a section of signed prints and cards.
See more of Catherine’s work at on her website and follow her on Instagram.
Anil’s area of the exhibition features a selection of his work from the last 18 months. He says: "I like to feature stylistically unusual, misfit and often overlooked elements from cityscapes and environments, merging this 'street furniture' to create beautiful compositions of unseen landscapes.
"During lockdown, I focussed my extra home time by creating a piece of work inspired by Berkhamsted. This new print, 'Homestead amongst the Hills', will be exclusively on show at the exhibition."
See more of Anil’s work at his website and follow him on Instagram.
Catherine is sharing a collection of skyscapes, landscapes and abstracts. She says: “I started as a figurative painter, but two years ago I painted a skyscape which totally changed the way I work. I discovered that by being a little less worried about detail and a little more focused on feeling I could flourish as an artist.
"The pieces I am showing in the exhibition are bold, textured oils, painted to evoke a thought, a feeling, an emotion... I hope they do just that."
In addition to the originals, Catherine will also be offering a section of signed prints and cards.
See more of Catherine’s work at on her website and follow her on Instagram.
Anil’s area of the exhibition features a selection of his work from the last 18 months. He says: "I like to feature stylistically unusual, misfit and often overlooked elements from cityscapes and environments, merging this 'street furniture' to create beautiful compositions of unseen landscapes.
"During lockdown, I focussed my extra home time by creating a piece of work inspired by Berkhamsted. This new print, 'Homestead amongst the Hills', will be exclusively on show at the exhibition."
See more of Anil’s work at his website and follow him on Instagram.
Sarah Douglas – On the brink
19-30th October 2020
Sarah Douglas is a photographic artist who recently completed her MA in photography at Falmouth University. 'On the Brink' – which explores social housing in some of London's most deprived boroughs – was part of her final major project.
Sarah explains: "Today these landmarks have fallen into a state of disrepair. The images have been created to highlight the disconcerting visual impact of these decaying buildings, that have been neglected over the decades.
"The bricked out windows symbolise the way in which the social housing market has hit a brick wall, a crisis. At a deeper level, this also reflects the anguish and powerlessness of communities, with the buildings sadly closing their eyes to the gentrification that surrounds and will replace them. Those bricked out windows shut out a world that no longer has space for them."
You can see more of Sarah's work on her website.
Sarah explains: "Today these landmarks have fallen into a state of disrepair. The images have been created to highlight the disconcerting visual impact of these decaying buildings, that have been neglected over the decades.
"The bricked out windows symbolise the way in which the social housing market has hit a brick wall, a crisis. At a deeper level, this also reflects the anguish and powerlessness of communities, with the buildings sadly closing their eyes to the gentrification that surrounds and will replace them. Those bricked out windows shut out a world that no longer has space for them."
You can see more of Sarah's work on her website.
Margaret Mee – Collaborations / Reverberations
September - October 2020
This is an exhibition of two parts, featuring two fantastic artists. Collaborations was created by Margaret Mee and her six-year-old daughter, Isabel. The pieces are based on animals and landscapes, and are about enjoying life, having fun and valuing time spent together.
Margaret says: "Whenever my daughter sees me creating artwork she wants to join in. She finds my studio an exciting and mysterious place to be, with all its many different materials and media to experiment with. I want to let her know that the artwork she creates has equal importance."
Meanwhile, Reverberations is a collection of drawings and digital artworks focusing on music and performance.
Margaret adds: "Many of my drawings concern power and force, capturing strength as well as the beauty of the human form and the sculptural shapes of the instruments. The close interaction of figures with the instruments creates a powerful intimacy and tension."
You can see more of Margaret's work on her Instagram page.
Margaret says: "Whenever my daughter sees me creating artwork she wants to join in. She finds my studio an exciting and mysterious place to be, with all its many different materials and media to experiment with. I want to let her know that the artwork she creates has equal importance."
Meanwhile, Reverberations is a collection of drawings and digital artworks focusing on music and performance.
Margaret adds: "Many of my drawings concern power and force, capturing strength as well as the beauty of the human form and the sculptural shapes of the instruments. The close interaction of figures with the instruments creates a powerful intimacy and tension."
You can see more of Margaret's work on her Instagram page.
The Beechwood Artists
September 2020
A warm welcome to Keith Patrick, Sharon Bailey and Sharon Whitelock from the Beechwood Artists, who have filled our walls with bold colour, texture and life!
Keith’s art is guided by his love of the sea, and the countryside in winter, while Sharon B has been inspired by her love of the natural world. Sharon W’s influences are the countries she’s visited while travelling.
You can find out more about the Beechwood Artists – a group of more then 100 artists based around the Chilterns – on their website.
Keith’s art is guided by his love of the sea, and the countryside in winter, while Sharon B has been inspired by her love of the natural world. Sharon W’s influences are the countries she’s visited while travelling.
You can find out more about the Beechwood Artists – a group of more then 100 artists based around the Chilterns – on their website.
Your World: A window into life since lockdown - At Open Door
August - September 2020
When we asked you to send us your lockdown art for our first-ever virtual exhibition, we had no idea there'd be such an amazing response! More than 60 of you sent in your fantastic works of art - which we shared on Facebook, Instagram and our website (below).
You can now see nearly every piece in real life in our Your World exhibition AT Open Door. We hope you're as excited as we are!
You can now see nearly every piece in real life in our Your World exhibition AT Open Door. We hope you're as excited as we are!
Nature's Medicine
Featuring the Winkwell Artists and guests
Our Nature's Medicine exhibition has now finished, but you can still enjoy this virtual tour from your arm chair! From small installations to huge canvases, this exhibition captured the power of nature in all its glory.
Angela Rossi, who curated the exhibition, says: "During lockdown, many of us started exploring what was around us. We found being outside soothing and healing - it gave us space to think about something other than coronavirus."
Our Nature's Medicine exhibition has now finished, but you can still enjoy this virtual tour from your arm chair! From small installations to huge canvases, this exhibition captured the power of nature in all its glory.
Angela Rossi, who curated the exhibition, says: "During lockdown, many of us started exploring what was around us. We found being outside soothing and healing - it gave us space to think about something other than coronavirus."
Your World: A window into life since lockdown – virtual exhibition
We invited you to share aspects of your life since lockdown through art, for our first ever online exhibition. Here are all the wonderful pieces you sent us! To read the story behind the art, just click on the picture.