We were hoping for some sunshine this year and we got a heat wave! Although a day shorter in duration, this year’s Trophy Exhibition at Markeaton Park was bigger and better than ever. We had around 550 visitors and sold plenty of original pictures.

Our judge this year was artist and heritage historian Ruth Matthews, now the director of Ashbourne’s newly opened Hopton Hall Gallery. Well done to everyone who contributed, helped out and brought their friends and relatives along to the show.

Trophy Winner 2026 : Margaret Esler’s ‘Let It Rain’

‘Cranesbill’ by Liz Harris – Highly Commended

‘View From Gimignano’ by Tony Deeming – Highly Commended

‘Before’ by Che Tyrell – – Highly Commended

‘Becky’ by Johny Bermudez – Highly Commended

The public also voted for their favourite piece. The overall winner was ‘Meadow’ by Heather Hardy. In second place was ‘Cromer’ by Charles Chen and in third ‘Derbyshire Sheep’ by Lesley Griggs.

‘Meadow’ by Heather Hardy – Visitors Choice Award

‘Cromer’ by Charles Chen – Visitors 2nd Choice

‘Derbyshire Sheep’ by Lesley Griggs – Visitors 3rd Choice

Hopton Hall are again offering local artists an opportunity to paint and draw their grounds throughout the month of July. Sign up in advance to take part with an opportunity of prizes to be won. Derby Sketching Club have reserved 2 pods each Thursday in July. Register and then show up on Thursdays where you can use the pods to do some painting, display and sell your work or just shelter from the weather. The pods are located beside the cafe and toilets and are only a short walk from the car park. Follow the link below for more information…

https://www.hoptonhall.co.uk/month-of-art

Ashbourne’s new Hopton Hall Gallery now open

Ashbourne’s new Hopton Hall Gallery is now open and running an
inaugural exhibition ‘Brushed Light: Atmospheric Watercolours’,
featuring artwork from local artists Roger Allen, Martin Sloman, Sue
Quinby, Cheryl Wilbraham, Mark Langley, Sarah Sutton, Tim Rose, Carol
Hill, Sarah EA Parkin and Ian Palmer Sculptures.

Owners and custodians of the Hopton Hall Estate, Chris and Andi Harvey,
chose an 18th century, Grade II listed building on St. John Street as
the home of their new gallery, with the aim of connecting centuries of
craftsmanship with the artists shaping today’s landscape.

The Gallery will offer an ever-changing programme of exhibitions and
events, and the opportunity for the local community to hire the space
for workshops.

Chris said: “This project really has been a labour of love. The
earliest known records of the property date back to 1770 and it’s
enjoyed several different lives as a butcher’s, clockmaker’s and as
a succession of drapers and outfitters. It’s such a characterful
building and we’ve worked hard to preserve as many features as we can
whilst renovating it to meet the needs of a 21st century art gallery.

“It’s been so exciting to see the Gallery come to life and we know
that it is in safe hands with our Gallery Director, Ruth Matthews, who
has also been instrumental in helping to build the success of our annual
Month of Art celebration in July. Ruth’s vision in selecting the most
talented artists for the Gallery means we now have a fabulous calendar
of exhibitions running until the end of May 2027! We’d like to invite
the people of Ashbourne and art lovers more widely to come along to take
a look.”

The Gallery is open for exhibitions from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am –
4pm.

Original contemporary artworks are available for purchase, in person at
the Gallery. Contemporary and antique artworks are also on sale at the
online shop.

More information on Hopton Hall Gallery is available at:
hoptonhallgallery.co.uk 

The Fitzwilliam Museum and Kettle’s Yard were the main destinations on our recent coach trip to Cambridge. And what a day it was! There was so much to see and do, a return visit is inevitable. Blue skies and sunshine helped make it a memorable day out. Some pictures from our trip: