If you’re following the h.Art trail through Ross and Ledbury this autumn, it’s worth knowing there’s more just over the county line in Gloucestershire. Newent has its own thriving arts scene tucked around Church Street and The Shambles – well worth its own day trip for you creative types!
Start at the Secret Gallery
Nestled away behind Cobblers, you’ll find the Secret Gallery – and joy! Yes, it really is a proper art gallery inside a proper pub.
Artist and curator Hannah Ferguson has been supporting both established and up-and-coming local artists through the gallery since 2017; recently moving to this fabulous new venue, where real ale and real art combine. The gallery has a rotation of both solo and group exhibitions throughout the year with a lovely selection of gifts, cards, original artwork and prints by resident artists. It also hosts regular creative workshops and events.
Open every evening via the pub, or from midday on Fridays and Saturdays via the alleyway. More info at www.secretgallery.xyz
From there, cross the road and duck down the alley into The Shambles, where a courtyard café and a cluster of creative studios are waiting.
Visit Charlotte Keating Art Gallery & Gift Shop
At the heart of it is the Charlotte Keating Art Gallery & Gift Shop, a bright contemporary gallery showcasing more than 25 artists alongside owner and professional artist Charlotte Keating’s own dreamy expressive paintings. Upstairs hosts a monthly rotation of themed exhibitions, each opening with a relaxed Bubbles & Browsing evening open to all. The ground floor gallery is arranged by colour and theme rather than artist, giving the space a relaxed treasure-hunt feel, with original pieces sitting alongside prints, cards and gifts. The gallery also runs regular art workshops and artist demonstrations.
Charlotte continues to paint in the gallery during quieter hours, offering visitors a glimpse into the practice behind the finished work. More info at www.charlottekeating.com
Meet the Makers at The Shambles
Dotted around the courtyard, you’ll find a cluster of brightly coloured working studios worth seeking out.
Helen Winters-Dean, working under the name Lumogami, is known for delicate crepe paper floral lampshades and paper light sculptures, alongside contemporary abstract paintings and intricate glass engravings – some as intimate as a rose bowl, others larger-scale, inspired by artists like Harry Clarke.
Valentina Fornelli’s artist studio and shop, also in the courtyard, is open most days, showcasing her bold, colourful abstract paintings alongside handmade fascinators and an eclectic collection of quirky décor.
Newly opened Shambles Crafts & Gifts is an independent shop offering handmade arts and crafts, from decoupage, hand-carved woodwork and upcycled furniture to wreaths, pebble art, crystals and unique home décor and gifts. Next door, it’s worth popping into the quirky museum of board games, and keeping an eye out for craft workshops at The Nook, the Daffodil Lines very own community space.. but more on that in the next issue..
Beyond The Shambles
The art doesn’t stop at the courtyard gates. Back in the Market Square, look out for Newent’s own equestrian bronze – a statue of award-winning dressage horse Valegro.
Then head down to the lake, where a wildlife-inspired sculpture trail winds through the trees, with sculptures carved entirely from a single massive Turkey oak that came to the end of its life during the pandemic.
Worth the Detour
From a gallery in a pub to paper light sculptures in a courtyard studio, Newent packs a surprising amount of creativity into a small space. And from the changing seasons at the lakeside sculpture trail, to the changing exhibitions at the two galleries, there is always something new and different to catch your eye and spark your imagination.
