The Coronation: hugh’s bit

The lesser of two evils: Boy Bishops Day has arrived again, reviving a mediaeval tradition. The Lord of Anarchy and Misrule takes over the town and a boy is crowned on the bishop’s throne and everybody gets the day off. Party time like Mardi Gras or the Day of the Dead. Long ago when kings were Kings and bishops were Bishops with castles and armies, the Boy Bishops carnival was a brief lawless safety valve for the rest of us who laboured all year under the yoke of the aristocracy and were kept in thrall by the church’s miserable talk of Hell and Sin. In our modern masquerade we will be putting a pet white elephant on the throne instead of a boy. His ears are that size anyway. They stop the crown from slipping down round his neck. Dressing up our pets as leaders is absurd, but not new. Roman Emperor Caligula tried to make his horse into a consul, just as the Tories dress up any old backbench donkey as a Lord, frothing at the mouth with rabid prejudices.

It’s the charade our boy has been waiting for all his life; enough silk, precious stones, gold and silver, fur collars, magic orbs, enchanted swords, crowns and wands to cause spinal impaction were he not being carried to his throne in a gold encrusted pram with his fairy queen at his side, swimming in a froth of white lace. Rumour has it that he has been doing weights at Frogmore House in order to cope. Which brings me to the extraordinary fate-tempting names the Royals chose. Like Frog-more. If you kiss the front door knob, will it change into Prince Andrew? and Charles III…. The original C1 had his head chopped off in 1649. So a pointed reminder to the white elephant not to exceed his powers? One of William’s children is called Louis. After Louis XVIIIIII etc. of France or Louis Mountbatten perhaps, who both paid for their royal status with their lives.

By these libels I celebrate that for nearly 4 centuries now we neither prosecute our rulers for being absurd nor those who ridicule the absurdity of our rulers. Sadly this has yet to apply in India where Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has been sentenced to 2 years in jail for telling a joke about Prime Minister Modi. It’s the same in Turkey, Iran, Russia, Rwanda, China etc. Nor do we behead our “leaders”; we just pillory them, take the piss, cut them down to size, but only in speech and not in deed. As far back as 1689 James II was sent packing down the Thames in a skiff without his trousers on otherwise known as The Glorious Revolution - rather than being dragged to the block. There was no coming back from the humiliation, though his grandson, another Silly Prince Charlie, did try. Back in the 1800s the cartoonist Gilray could publish pictures of the future Queen as a roly poly plum pudding shitting in the street, and of the Prime Minister, Pitt the younger as an Excrescence, a fungus, and a toadstool growing on the dunghill of Parliament. Sadly the absurd Mr Zandawi, our boy Chancellor for one day of genuine misrule last year and briefly also Minister for Education is somehow ignorant of our robust traditions of freedom of speech (and of paying tax). He told headmasters to stop pupils writing essays that criticised Boris Johnson. In one of his few agreeable acts Boris let it be known that we could go on saying what we liked so long as he could go on doing what he liked.

More Absurdity: My parents were invited to one of those royal garden parties that recently made the headlines with the infamous “But where are you weally fwom?” remark. There were instructions with the invite about parking and sandwiches, and this directive: “Ladies will not be wearing tiaras”. Even my mother laughed…

Absurdity therefore laughter therefore tolerance are three reasons to remain a grudging 51% advocate of monarchy, because otherwise there is no possible logic for such a patently out-of-date unkind hereditary system except the steam-roller of tradition. It is the indefensible summit of Goonery, of Spitting Imagery, of Python and Pratchett and yet defensible because then none can take seriously the buffoonery at the heart of government. The greater of two evils: The Democratic Alternative. We need a head of state with a few essential powers. The alternative to King Charles is Queen Theresa, President Farage, even David Attenborough in our dreams; a Keeper of the Constitution, either elected by Parliament or directly by us. In 1999 most Australians were opposed to the colonial Monarch, but when given the choice of having their own corrupt or played out politician instead, appointed by their parliament, they preferred to keep Our Gracious Queen.

The Irish were cursed with De Valera as their head of state for decades, the dark agent of the rotten theocracy of 20th C. Catholic Ireland. Then they elected a string of retired/corrupt politicians until finally they heaved off the yoke of the Church and elected Mary Robinson, later UN commissioner for refugees, and then Mary McAleese, two humane women (at last), making a better argument for directly electing your Head of State. However on the crest of some confected Daily Mail scandal, Netflix factoid docu-drama or social media conspiracy theory, we might elect Presidents Farage, Lineker, or even Stewart Lee - the Ukrainians elected Zelensky, - a comedian only pretending to be President. It’s a relief to realise that little toni blair could never get elected by popular vote (been there, done it, got the scars) BUT! he might well get the job by a stitch-up among the donkeys in parliament.

The risk of getting e.g. Clarkson by direct vote or baby boris indirectly “kicked upstairs” as our ceremonial head of state is too great, so despite the mental cruelty of training generations of frogs + spares to believe they are fairy tale princes and princesses in an involuntary life-long soap opera & zoo like that excellent film The Truman Show I am still 51% a monarchist, though I hate the deference, the class system and the plummy aristocratic assumptions of all the vulgarly over-dressed people with more money than me, and will not be watching the mumbo-jumbo (because he really is an elephant) Disneyworld confection of mythological tat and weirdness. I will be up in the unruly hills well away from the flags and the bunting.

© Hugh Colvin 2023

POWYS

Studer Fine Art, - The Gallery, 4 The High Street, Presteigne. www.studerfineart.com

Open Thurs-Sat, 10.30am - 4pm.

Sidney Nolan Trust, The Rodd, Presteigne LD8 2LL 01544 260149

Until 20 May ‘Thirty Years of Landscape’. PHILIP HUGHES.

Until June ‘In Praise of Shadows’. JONY EASTERBY & PIPPA TAYLOR.

25 May - 29 July ‘Sometimes | Miss

The Applause’. DEAN CROSS.

Until 30 Sept ‘The Buzzer’. RICK GRESWELL - sculpture (outdoors).

Until 30 Sept ‘Inside Out’.

KATE HARVEY - sculpture (outdoors).

May ‘Dead Standing’. JONY EASTERBY - sculpture (outdoors).

Open Thurs-Sat 11am-4pm.

CHATWOOD

Celf gan Osian Gwent

(Art by Osian Gwent)

No. 6 Long Bridge Street, Llanidloes SY18 6EE 0800 999 1953 www.osiangwent.com

Exclusive and original paintings by Welsh contemporary artist OSIAN GWENT. Luxury works of fine artpaintings and limited edition fine art giclée prints. Tues - Sat, 10am - 4pm.

Tower House Gallery, 29 High St, Knighton LD7 1AT 01547 529530 Gallery, shop, cafe. Tues-Sat 10am-4.30pm.

Radnorshire Museum, Temple St, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5DL 01597 824513

May Geology, Archaeology, Natural History, Social History and Fine Art. The museum houses an art gallery with a programme of varied and exciting exhibitions and events. Wed-Sat 10am-4pm.

Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown 01686 625041

Until 21 Sept ‘Oriel Watching’. ELLEN BELL will be working in the galleries making live drawings of visitors. Open Tues-Sun 11am-4pm.

Wyeside Theatre, Builth Wells 01982 552555

7 April - 25 June ‘Inspired Inspiration: Thinking with Colours’. ALICE KIRBY & MELTHAM ARIKAN. Open theatre times.

The Table & The Chair, 43 Lion St, Hay-on-Wye 01497 822802 www.thetablehay.com

Until 13 May SIMON QUADRAT, DAN WILLIAMS & SAM HALL.

20 May - 24 June SOPHIE WINDHAM & LYDIA KIERNAN. Open Thurs-Sat 10am-3pm.

The Hay Makers, St John’s Place, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5BN 01497 820556

Until 14 May CHARLOTTE BAXTERprints. DANIEL BOYLE - ceramics.

15 May - 9 July Festival Exhibition. CARRY AKROYD - prints. KIM DONALDSON - ceramics.

CORNELIUS VAN DOP - silver boxes. NADEGE HONEY & ANGELA SOULIER - jewellery. Open Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Minerva Arts Centre, High Street, Llanidloes 01686 413467

Until 20 May ‘Pathways: Lines and Journeys’. Contemporary work by Tangent Textiles Group plus collaborative work from local organisations.

27 May - 24 June Wool & Willow Festival. Showcasing unique, handmade products by willow and textile artists from Wales and the Borders. Open daily 10.30am-4.30pm.

Court Cupboard Gallery, New Court Farm, Llantillio Pertholey, Abergavenny NP7 8AU 01873 852011

May ROSIE FAREY & MANDY COATS - baskets. SUSAN GALLAGHERpaintings. 11am-4pm.

Lion Street Gallery, 6 Lion St, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5AA 01497 822900 Showcasing some of the very best artists from Wales and the Borders. Open 10.30am-5pm daily except Tues, Sun 11.30am-4pm.

Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, Near Newtown 01686 688369

Until 7 May CERI PRITCHARD - new paintings. Collaboration with Ceri Pritchard and filmmakers JACOB

DEAKIN & LUKE AUGUR. LORRAINE MORLEY & GEMMA HUGHESinstallations. OWEN THORPEceramics. ANGELA THORPElithographs.

21 May - 2 July NEIL JOHNSON, JOHN SMOUT, ERIC ROWAN & JONATHAN MIDDLEMISS.

Thurs-Sun, 11am-4pm.

Courtyard Antiques, London House, High St, Presteigne, LD8 2BA 07974 356128 outside normal hours. Antique pottery, country furniture and art. Mon-Sat 10am-4pm.

Knighton Fine Art, 2 Broad Street, Knighton 01547 528052 www.knightonfineart.co.uk knightonfineart@btinternet.com

May Spring landscapes by JOAN BAKER, JULIENNE BRAHAM, SUSIE CAWLEY, CELIA DE SERRA, EDGAR HOLLOWAY, GRETCHEN IND, JOSH PARTRIDGE, STUART ROPER & BRONTË WOODRUFF. Plus pottery, ceramics, woodwork, driftwood, tin sculptures and greenting cards. Wed-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm. Hay Castle, Oxford Rd, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5DG 01497 820079 www.haycastletrust.org

Until 14 May ‘Life in Colour’. EUGENE FISK. Open 10am-5pm.

The Workhouse Studio, Presteigne Industrial Estate 01544 267864

Rare antique carpets and kilims. Plus locally made pottery, art materials, textiles, haberdashery, jewellery, cards and gifts. Cafe. Open Wed-Sat 10am-4pm.

Cheese & Butter Market, Hay-on-Wye 07866 843538

Every Fri & Sat Flea & Vintage Market. Vintage clothing, bric a brac, antiques and jewellery. Open 9am-5pm.

Found Gallery, 1 Bulwark, Brecon LD3 7LB 07736 062849 www.foundgallery.co.uk

Until 20 May ‘The Concrete & The Clay’. DAVID COLLYERphotographs. AGNIESZKA POHLceramics. ROY POWELLretrospective artist.

24 May - 24 June ‘Early Summer Finds’. VANNESSA POMEROYartist. MARY KENNY - pottery. TIM COLLIER - photographs. HELEN MUNDAY - basket maker.

Open Tues-Sat 10am-4.30pm. The Art Shop, Cross St, Abergavenny NP7 5EH 01873 852690

Until 6 May ‘Borderland - On the Edge’. ELERI MILLS.

12 May - 24 June ‘Mappa Marches’. Celebrating the solace and magic of the Marches landscape, history and culture. HELEN ARTHUR, ADRIENNE CRADDOCK, SHELLIE BYATT, DAVID ENGLAND & NICK CRADDOCK.

13 May - 24 June ‘After the Light’. KUMA SARAFF - paintings.

Open Tues-Sat 9.30am-5pm.

The Old School, Whitton, near Knighton LD7 1NP 01547 560936

Museum of Welsh Textiles. A fine collection of Welsh costume, textiles. With a selection of antique textiles and blankets for sale, alongside changing exhibitions of art and antiques. Open by appointment, please phone to book.

Museum of Modern Art, Tabernacle, Heol Penrallt, Machynlleth SY20 8AJ 01654 703355 info@moma.machynlleth.org.uk

Until 20 May ‘A Whispering Noise Breaks the Silence’. JOHN CLOW.

Until 10 June ‘Bring the Story Inside’. NEALE HOWELLS.

Until 10 June SLQS: Roan/m

Until 6 Sept ‘The Land We Live In’. The Tabernacle Collection.

Until 10 June ‘Against All Odds’. SPIKE BLACKHURST.

Until 15 June ‘Hope. Echoes of Mabinogion’. Open Wed-Fri

10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

Knighton Museum, 1 Broad St, Knighton

The Museum is run entirely by volunteers and reflects the social history of the area. The majority of the exhibits have been either donated or lent by local people and reflect the varied history of this border town from the drovers to the flannel weavers; from trade to agriculture. Wed- Sat, 10am-4pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Rhayader Museum & Gallery, CARAD, East St, Rhayader, LD6 5ER 01597 810561

Rhayader Museum are offering an enjoyable opportunity to take part in the creative process of making and installing the displays and installations, working with our team. Please email all@carad.org.uk for details. Look out for new activities and sign up for our free information newsletter online: www.carad.org.uk Tues-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-12pm.

Pavilion Mid Wales, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5EY 01597 258118 www.pavilionmidwales.org.uk

27 May Artisan Market. Over 20 stalls featuring arts, crafts, homemade, handmade local produce. 10am-4pm.

Herefordshire

The Forum, 18 Market Square, Tenbury Wells WR15 8EA 01584 810085 www.georginafranklin.co.uk

GEORGINA FRANKLINjewellery. Individual contemporary design. Commissions undertaken. Weavers Gallery, Church Lane, Ledbury 07881 926661

2 - 7 & 22 - 28 May ARTISTREE, new work. Open 10.30am-4.30pm, daily.

Grange Court, Leominster 01568 612779

6 - 24 June LEOMINSTER ART GROUP. Art exhibition. Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm.

St Michael and All Angel’s Church, Bodenham, HR1 3JU

25 May - 7 June ‘The Knitted Bible Exhibition’. Discover hundreds of knitted models portraying 35 of the best known bible stories. Craft stalls and refreshments, Saturday breakfast baps. Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 12-4pm, free entry.

Old Stable Gallery, Leominster Tourist Information Centre, Corn Square, Leominster 01568 616460 May Leominster Meeting Centre. Mon-Sat 9.30am-4pm.

Wobage Makers Gallery, Upton Bishop, Ross on Wye HR9 7QP 01989 720495 www.wobage.co.uk May SHEILA HERRINGpottery. ANDREW McGARVA stoneware pots. CLARE McGARVAstitched textiles. PATIA DAVISporcelain & pots. BEN CASSONfurniture. SHEILA CASSON - stoneware & earthenware pots. CLAIR HODGSON - silver. JEREMY STEWARD - wood-fired salt-glazed pottery. CLYDE HOAR - baskets. Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm.

Hereford Cathedral, Cathedral Close, Hereford 01432 374200

3 - 19 May ‘Coronation Exhibition’. Photographs from royal visits throughout the years, an archive display of royal seals and documents and a selection of artwork by local primary school children. Free entry, open during normal Cathedral opening hours.

Mappa Mundi & Chained Library, Hereford Cathedral, 01432 374200

1 May - 30 Sept ‘Cathedral: City: County’. This exhibition uses items from across the archive collections to show the many and varied links that the cathedral has had with those who lived and worked both within and beyond its walls. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Normal admission charges apply.

South Chapel, All Saints Church, Hereford 01432 370414

1 - 6 May Love Zimbabwe. Fairtrade arts, crafts and charity information.

8 - 13 May Local craft sale.

15 - 20 May THE GOLDEN VALLEY CRAFT SOCIETY.

29 May - 3 June SIAN THOMASstained glass.

5 June - 10 June Love Zimbabwe. Fairtrade arts, crafts and charity information. Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm.

Made in the Marches Gallery, 12 Church St, Kington, HR5 3AZ 07531 820195 www.madeinthemarches.com

May CLARE CONRAD - ceramics. PETER HORROCKS earth pigment paintings. SIWAN - abstract landscapes. Alongside by cooperative members: NICKI CORNISH, REBECCA FINNEY, JO FLETCHER, NANCY FROST, FREYA GAMBLE-MAPES, TESSA GAVIN, JANE KEAY, CELIA KIBBLEWHITE, SUE LEAVETT, CLARE LESTER, CLAIR MURPHY & HELEN SMITH. Beautiful work from local artists and makers, including ceramics, paintings, prints, clothes, jewellery, sculpture, stone, wood, ironwork, basketry cards and gifts. Commissions and vouchers available. Open Tues–Sat, 11am-4pm.

Canwood Gallery, Checkley HR1 4NF 01568 760242 www.canwoodgallery.com

5 May - 11 June ‘Alone Together’. An exhibition exploring aloneness including an immersive print installation by LEONIE BRADLEY, JESS BUGLER & PRERNA CHANDIRAMANI.

11 - 28 May ‘Fragile Beasts’. STEPHANIE RODGERS, illuminating many environmental issues that face us today and bringing people closer to nature. The Gallery also features work by local and international artists including CARL ANDRE, NICOLE FARHI, TRACEY EMIN & DAMIEN HURST, together with a sculpture trail set in 10 acres. Cafe. Free entry. Thurs-Sun 11am-4pm.

St Peter & St Paul Priory Church, Leominster 01568 612124 www.leominsterpriory.org.uk

2 - 9 May ‘The Crown and Our Town’. A free exhibition in the historic Priory exploring Leominster’s surprising history with the Crown over 1400 years through artefacts, displays, flowers and more. Featuring King Merewald, the Herefordshire Hoard, rebellious barons, Prince Owain Glyndwr, Queen Mary I’s charter, local celebrations for George V’s coronation. Refreshments available. Open daily 10am-4pm.

Oxenham Art, Broad St, Leominster HR6 8BT 01568 611898

May COLIN DAVIES - seascape paintings, EVA POLLARD - glass sun catchers and jewellery, KENNETH BRIDGES - landscape paintings, JANE HICKMAN - batik painting. Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm

Market Hall, Kington 07977 978676 3rd Saturday of the month, until Dec Print, paint, wood, wool, paper, metalwork, ceramics, baskets and more. 9:30am-3:30pm, anna@akcrafts.co.uk

The Courtyard, Hereford 01432 340555

5 May - 3 June Hereford Community Farm. Showcasing the work of Hereford Community Farm through mixed media, installations and photographs. Open theatre times.

Apple Store Gallery, Unit 1, Rockfield Rd, Hereford HR1 2UA 01432 263937 www.applestoregallery.com

Until 3 June ‘Surroundings’. ANGELA HOWARD - work inspired by the environment and people around. Wed-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

RidgeBank Contemporary Art Space, 1 High Street, Kington HR5 3AX 07810 526006 caroline@ridgebank.art

Instagram: @ridgebank

Rolling programme of exhibitions and events. Open Fri-Sun 12-6pm.

Made in Ross, The Upstairs Gallery, Market House, Ross-on-Wye HR9 5NX 01989 769398 www.madeinross.co.uk

Until 13 May Guest exhibition by JANE FOOT.

18 May - 14 June Guest exhibition by WALTER CHERRY.

Made in Ross. A co-operative of local art and craft makers who produce a wide range of beautiful work, for all tastes and budgets. Open 10am-4pm.

The Basement, 18 Gloucester Rd, Ross-on-Wye HR9 5BU email gabydevitt@live.com

Beautiful handwoven lampshades, fabrics, pottery, willow baskets and glass. Also a range of eclectic lighting. Open Wed-Sat 9.30am-4pm.

Gallery 54, 54 High St, Ross-on-Wye 01989 567917

May New work from RACHEL SUDWORTH & DIANE SHORLESON plus gallery artists JOHN MAXELL STEELE, ZOE TAYLOR, STUART ELLIS, LAYLA MURR, TESSA HOUGHTON & JO JENKINS and more. Open Thurs-Sat 10-4pm.

Elmslie House, 8 Avenue Rd, Great Malvern WR14 3AG 07714 106386 Email richard@fiftiesart.com

26 May - 4 June ‘Original and Unusual: A New Mid-Century Selection’. Showcasing paintings and original prints by a wide range of artists active in the 1950s and 1960s. Includes works by KATHARINE CHURCH, GARRICK PALMER, ROWLAND SUDDABY & JOHN PIPER. Plus a special display of low cost etchings, lithographs and woodcuts. Open Fri, private view, 6-8pm, (please contact Richard to attend). Sun 11am-3pm, all other days 11am-4pm. The Fifties Art Cafe will be open each weekend.

Old Chapel Gallery, East St, Pembridge HR6 9HB 01544 388842 www.oldchapelgallery.co.uk

May 13 - 30 June Hay Festival

Exhibition @OCG. New work includes oil on canvas, pencil drawings, pen and ink drawings, mixed media, ceramics, stained glass, needle felt, pewter art, jewellery. LYNDA JONES, CAT SANTOS, KARIN CELESTINE, TAMSIN ABBOTT, MARIA SANTOS-ALCANTARA, SUE HAYDEN.

From 13 May and throughout the year ‘Splendour in the Grass’. An ever-changing collection of unique sculptures for your outdoor space in a variety of media including forged iron, carved stone, stone resin, iron resin, bronze resin, glass and ceramics.

Wed-Sat 11am-4.30pm, Sun 12-4pm. Mon & Tues by appointment.

Greenstage Gallery, Hop Pocket, Bishop’s Frome WR6 5BT 01885 490839 www.greenstagegallery.co.uk

May Open by appointment.

SHROPSHIRE

The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury 01743 234970

Tues-Fri 10am-4.30pm.

St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow www.ludlowartsociety.org.uk secretary@ludlowartsociety.org.uk

1 May LUDLOW ART

SOCIETY. An eclectic group of artists covering many genres, informal meetings monthly and regular guest speakers. Modest membership fee and exhibitions twice a year.

Open 10am-4pm.

FBC Manby Bowdler Gallery, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury 01743 281281

Until 31 July ‘A Passing Portrait’. MALCOLM HAGUE. Mon-Sat from 10am.

Friday 12th May 12 noon - 5pm

Saturday 13th May 10am - 4pm

Bishop’s Castle Town Hall 01588 630023 www.bishopscastletownhall.co.uk

6 May Antiques & Flea Market, 9am-4pm.

Until 20 May CATHERINE JONES

27 May - 24 June ALAN JEFFERIES.

3 June Antiques & Flea Market, 9am-4pm.

10 June Craft Fair. Two floors of stalls with a large selection of locally mad crafts, Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm.

Mrs Jones Art Shop & Gallery, 118 Longden Coleham, Shrewsbury SY3 7DU 01743 245134 www.mrsjonesgallery.co.uk

11 - 25 May ‘M is for Maker’. Open Wed-Sat 10.30am-4pm.

The Crown And Our Town

Festival marking the Coronation of King Charles III

2nd - 9th May 2023, 10am-4pm daily

Leominster Priory

A free exhibition in the historic Priory exploring Leominster’s surprising history with the Crown over 1,400 years through artefacts, displays, flowers and more! Refreshments available.

Featuring King Merewald, the Herefordshire Hoard story, rebellious barons, Prince Owain Glyndwr, Queen Mary I’s charter, local celebrations for George V’s coronation!

Sun 7th May 2023 6.30pm

Leominster Community Coronation Service

Massed choirs, brass band, historical characters and dancing. All welcome, free. Fancy hats encouraged!

More information: www.leominsterfestival.org www.leominsterpriory.org.uk

Facebook Leominster Priory, Facebook Leominster Festival or 01568 612124

SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321

May Open Mon, Wed, Thurs 9am-9pm, Tues & Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 9am-1pm, Sun 9am-12pm.

The Gateway Gallery, Chester St, Shrewsbury SY1 1NB gatewaygallery@mail.com

5 May - 2 June ‘Borderland Visual Arts’. Group show of abstract landscape. Open Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm, Thurs until 8pm during term times. Assembly Rooms, Mill St, Ludlow www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk 01584 878141

Until 6 May ‘Abstract Edge’. Paintings, prints, photographs and sculpture.

12 May - 8 July ‘Grounded in Beauty’.

JACKIE YEOMANS & CARA

CAMPBELL. Mon - Sat 10am-7.30pm.

Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery, The Music Hall, Market Square, Shrewsbury SY1 1LG 01743 258881

Until June ‘Monument to the Vanquished. Part 2. Rural Rebels. A Meadow Arts project with artist Leah Gordon and researcher Annabel Edwards that explores the social history of land enclosure in England and Wales. Open 10am-4pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Aardvark Books, The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, near Bucknell SY7 0DH 01547 530744 www.aardvark-books.com

1 & 28 May Car Boot, lots of stalls of fantastic carbootery, plus live music and hot food. Pitches £12 bookable in advance. Entrance and parking free.

Tues-Sun 10am-4pm.

Ogilvie Vaile Conservation, Unit

9, Lower Buckton Barns, between Leintwardine and Brampton Bryan SY7 0JU 07780 616067 www.ogilvievaile.com

Specialising in the conservation and restoration of fine art.

The Artists’ Gallery, Ludlow Farm (formerly Ludlow Food Centre), Bromfield, Ludlow SY8 2JR 07974 652866

May Artists include SHELLY PERKINS - wildlife artist.

PRISCILLA HANN - bronze sculpture. DANIELLE FLOWERS - contemporary jewellery. KIM DAVIS - wood turning. MEGAN EVANS - collagraph prints. JAN JAY - textile designs and screen prints. PIP JONES - watercolours. SARAH BILLINGHAM - pottery.

Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm. www.theartistsgalleryludlow.co.uk 10am-5pm. Instagram@agalleryrunbyartists

Facebook - The Artists’ Gallery.

Smithy Studio, Brampton Bryan SY7 0DH 07811 042478

Rustic homewares, fine art and craft. Local makers. Turned wood, slipware, lavender products, textiles, cards and gifts. Thurs-Sat 11am-4pm.

Bedstone & Hopton Castle Village Hall, Bedstone 01547 530282

13 May Spring Sale. Soup lunches, tea/coffee, bric-a-brac, books, produce, table top sales, 11am-2pm.

Art & Craft Workshops

Single, dated listings are free. Ongoing workshops, £40 per year.

GINN’S CREATIVE WORKSHOPS

Discover your creative potential at my workshops covering, Art, Textiles and Sewing Techniques, catering for the experienced and inexperienced. Dates to suit you. 01432 760961.

IKEBANA: THE ANCIENT ART OF JAPANESE FLOWER ARRANGING ‘Foam-free’, using seasonal materials. Workshops for maximum 6 people are run by Qualified Teacher and Master in Ikebana (Ohara School). Individual lessons are possible by arrangement. Visit www.discovering-ikebana.com. Western flower arranging workshops are also available, see website ‘Western Style Workshops’, or ring 01432 880126 or email noellaplasman@gmail.com

KNIGHTON PAINTING & SKETCHING GROUP

We meet Monday daytime at the Civic Centre, Knighton (near the Clock Tower) during spring and autumn terms. We have weekly topics with friendly tuition. All abilities, beginners welcome. Learn at your own pace. Discover new skills and increase your confidence. Own choice of art materials. Contact local artist tutor: Audrey Bradley: 01544 350369.

ALEX ALLPRESS POTTERY STUDIO - POTTERY EXPERIENCES & LESSONS

Church Street, Builth Wells, LD2 3BS, Powys. Open 7 Days a week, Bespoke family Days, Throwing Workshops and Courses. Children’s Parties, Corporate Festivities, Hen Dos. Hand-building, Gift Sales and Vouchers available. From £40ppTasters - Half day or Full day. Call for more details: 07443875016 e: alexallpressceramics@gmail.com alexallpress.co.uk