The Halesworth Gallery
Halesworth is an old Suffolk town whose market was granted by King Henry III in 1223. The gallery occupies what used to be the town's almhouses, lying alongside St Mary's Churchyard. The buildings were mentioned in the Manorial Court Roll of 1478. The age and beauty of the building is part of the Halesworth Gallery's appeal. The historic spaces add a character to the shows we hold here. The spaces are surprisingly flexible, and all sorts of work have been shown here, including video and installation work.
The Halesworth Art Gallery Association was founded in 1966 by Jack and Sheila Arbuthnot with four other local people, Mary Colby, Daniel Del-Rivo, Jennifer Dickson and Patrick Roberts. The gallery celebrates its 60th year this year. The objective was, and still is, to 'exhibit modern painting and sculpture of the highest possible standard on a non-profit-making basis and for the general enjoyment of all; and, it is hoped, for the benefit of the artists since all works are for sale'.
Early exhibitors included Elisabeth Frink, Felix Topolski, Mary Potter and Joseph Herman. The gallery has mainly shown the work of artists with a connection with East Anglia, though this is interpreted quite broadly.
Many of the Committee members, all of whom live locally, are themselves artists, and every few years a Committee Exhibition is held in the Gallery. A team of volunteers, as committee members and stewards, has always run the gallery. The gallery is open from April until October each year, with the season starting with a Young Artists' Show featuring work by local schoolchildren. Our second show is an Open Show, exhibiting the work of up to 60 local artists. The rest of the season comprises six shows of three and a half weeks' duration with three artists in each exhibition. We have a group show of young artists this year in May.
In September, we will be taking part in the Heritage Open Days, when we will be opening the attics to visitors and holding a guided tour by a local historian.
The gallery is part of the history of the almshouse, preserves and utilises the building in a creative and community-focused way and has played a part in the survival of the building, once listed for demolition.
Michael is experienced as a project manager in the world of modern and historic buildings. He combines volunteering for the gallery with a busy work and family life in London and Halesworth.
Paul is originally from Leicester and has taught art in local schools and universities over the past twenty five years. Paul exhibits his paintings and other artworks regularly and also organises exhibitions and events. Paul co-ordinates the gallery programme each year and maintains the website. Paul has his own website at www.paulcope.com.
Peter is a local artist and print maker living and working in Halesworth.
Neil is a local artist who has been designing the posters and other graphics for the gallery over the past few years. He can be followed on Instagram
Zoë came to the Halesworth area in 1974 and has held a variety of posts in education. She enjoys theatre, film, music and art, and her own creativity is channelled into her garden.
Val retired to Halesworth after a long career in Higher Education. Val continues to explore textiles in her continuing work.
A local ceramicist and artist who regularly shows his work at craft and art fairs in the region. Rob was an art teacher for many years in schools in Lincolnshire, Suffolk and the Falkland Islands. Rob organises the Young Artists Exhbition each year.
Selection of artists' work for exhibition takes place in November of each year, following advertisements in the national and local art press. Details of how to apply are on the 'How to Apply' page of this website. Artists are invited to come to the gallery to talk to the team during the season and to view the gallery.
The Selection Committee comprises: