Please be aware that this facebook link shows the gallery images from April 2022; previous exhibitions can be found by searching The Creative Gallery in Facebook, and the Instagram link above only shows the more recent exhibitions.
Each month we have a guest artist/maker, as dates are confirmed they are listed below:
1-30 June: Rose Hatcher – Colour in Nature
Rose will be bringing her colourful floral wall hangings and her “rubbish” jewellery to the Creative for June. Framed and mounted pieces, cards (shown) and jewellery made from found objects, plumbers fittings and beautiful beads.
1-31 May: Jacqui Fairweather and Lisa Berkshire – Illustration
Jacqui creates in clay, Lisa with paint and pen, but both produced very illustrative work. Both display a joyous approach to their making, great observation of the world and a desire to make the customer smile.
1-30 April: Polly Goldsmith – Drifted & Gifted
Polly collects drift wood and other flotsam from Dorset beaches to create a wide variety of useful and decorative household items – clocks, shelves, lamps and more.
1-31 March: Katy Tunstall – ceramics & Robin Moorcroft – print maker
The floral and landscape ceramic vases of Katy Tunstall will be complemented by the floral prints by Robin Moorcroft – a great welcome to spring.
2-29 February: Pip White – felted landscapes
We are delighted to welcome Pip with her warm felted landscape pictures back to the gallery. Created in wool, the detail Pip achieves in these little master pieces is extraordinary.
10 January-1 February: “Eight of Us”
Our resident artists/makers show some of their latest creations.
A very Happy Christmas to you all
We will be closed from 3pm on 23rd December, and reopening on 10th January 2024
6 November-23 December: The Guests Return
A chance to see the work of most of our guest makers again before Christmas. Ceramics, textiles and wire/paper cut pictures. Jane Elmer-Smith (decorated earthenware), Aline Johnson (velvet cushions & silk scarves), Jo Lilley (felted mice & woven textiles), Rosemary Jacks (cheerful pottery), Yo Thom (sgraffito decorated stoneware), Mike Topham (wire & papercut pictures) and Elaine King (hand painted ceramics).
2 October-4 November: Elaine King – Hand painted earthenware
Mostly using slabs of clay to build her pieces, Elaine creates a fantastic array of domestic items. Vases, bowls, jugs, lidded jars, and bottle forms. These are beautifully decorated in colourful slips and underglazes using various hand painting techniques, taking inspiration from nature.
1-30 September: Mike Topham – Wire pictures, Papier-mache & masks
Mike creates a diverse range of work, but is best known for his wire pictures. The pictures depict people, animals, emotions and situations, while his masks and papier-mache creations often have human form. All display his love of the more curious happenings in life.
1-31 August: Yo Thom – Sgraffito decorated stoneware pottery
Drawing from her Japanese and British influences Yo has developed her own, very personal way with sgraffito. Using hand building and throwing to craft her forms and a muted colour pallette.
1-31 July: Matthew Sowter – Sculptures from recycled materials
“Made from Waste” is the title, but Matthew brings new life to recycled materials – fish with flashing teeth, creatures real and imaginery will be on show.
1-30 June: Rosemary Jacks – decorated earthenware pottery
As well as a fabulous range of functional ceramic pieces decorated in a traditional blue and white fashion, Rosemary creates humourous, characterful pots which’ll make you smile every time you use them.
1-31 May: “Needle & Weave” – Jo Lilley
Better known as Mice & Mole, Jo Lilley creates wonderful work in wool. Her needle- felted creatures capture reality perfectly, her woven scarves are soft and comforting and her rugs/wall hangings are bright and cheerful. There’s a lot to like!
1-29 April: “Remarkable Raku” – Belinda Sales
Using the ancient technique of raku firing Belinda creates fabulous ceramic wall hangings and plaques with remarkable complexity.
2-31 March: “Peter Thomas – Master Woodturner”
A return visit from one of our favourite woodsmen – Peter creates fascinating bowls from wood harvested from the land he once farmed, along with walking sticks and many other wooden accessories.
1-28 February: “Colour” – Jane Elmer-Smith and Aline Johnson
Jane and Aline’s brightly coloured ceramics and luxurious textiles provide a colourful uplift in the often dull days of February. Bowls, platters, jugs and mugs in decorated earthenware, and cyanotype printed velvet and silk for cushions and scarves will brighten your day.
The guest programme for 2023
February: “Colour” Jane Elmer-Smith – ceramics and Aline Johnson – textiles
March: Peter Thomas – master woodturner
April: Belinda Sales – raku fired ceramics
May: Jo Lilley – textile artist and weaver
June: Rosemary Jacks – decorated earthenware pottery
July: Matthew Sowter – sculptures from recycled materials
August: Yo Thom – sgraffito decorated stoneware ceramics
September: Mike Topham – wire pictures, papier-mache & masks
October: Elaine King – hand painted earthenware
November/December: the Guesets of 2023 Return
5 November-24 December: The Guests of 2022 Return
Another chance to visit the works of our 9 fabulous guest makers from 2022. Metalwork by Lucille Scott, Greenwoodsman Mark Codling (Mark Fireeye), Ceramics created by Linda Chew, Anne Marie Marshall Fieber and Katy Tunstall, Papier Mache Birds from Diana Girdwood, Engraved Orbs by Yve Sturgeon, and Textiles from Pip White (felted land and seascapes) and Penny Bonser (felted gnomes)
1-31 October: “Penny Bonser – Teddy Bear Orphans”
Using the highest quality materials and some vintage fabrics and lace, Penny creates collectable bears, full of character – you’ll want to take one home!
1-30 September: “Mark Codling – Green Woodsman
Mark, known as Mark Fireeye on social media, will be joining us with a wide vaiety of bowls, platters and spoons made from locally sourced timber, some accessed as a member of Dorset Coppice Group.
1-31 August: “Lucille Scott – Metal & Glass”
From bird baths to sun sculptures, Lucille creates fantastic sculptural forms in metal and glass.
2-31 July: “Linda Chew – Nature & Landscape”
Linda explores patterns in nature and the landscape as a surface decoration on her delicate porcelain vessels.
1-30 June: “Anne-Marie Marshall Fieber – Creatures in Clay”
Using soft clay without an armature, Anne-Marie sculpts her animals large and small, bringing them to life with textured surfaces appropriate for their skin, hair and feathers.
1-31 May: “Katy Tunstall – Stoneware Vessels”
Katy slad builds her stoneware vessels and decorates the surfaces with various techniques including screen printing, building up a landscape or floral meadow. Using slab building gives her two faces to decorate so you can change the look of the vessel to suit your mood.
1-30 April: “Diana Girdwood – Paper Creatures”
A display of fantastical birds and animals created in paper. Diana creates delicate papier mache creatures with a humourous twist.
1-31 March: ” Yve Sturgeon – Engraved Orbs”
Yve carves original designs in the round into clay, then makes a mould and castes her orbs in jesso (fine plaster). A final patina is added to highlight the detail. Animals, fish and flowers enclose each orb.
1-28 February: “Pip White – Felted Landscapes”
Pip White should have been with us with her wonderful felted landscapes in 2021, but no …. so we are delighted to be able to host her exhibition this February. Framed, warm landscape creations in wool, a delight in the cold months of winter.
5-31 January: “Our Favourite Things”
Our resident makers have selected items that they most enjoy making, or which have an edge on other pieces, giving the finished creation a special place in their repertiore. Paintings, ceramics, mixed media, jewellery and glass.
Our programme for 2022, subject to change as required:
January: “Our Favourite Things” – gallery artists/makers
February: Felted Landscapes – Pip Whie
March: Engraved Orbs – Yve Sturgeon
April: Paper Creatures – Diana Girdwood
May: Stoneware Vessels – Katy Tunstall
June: Clay Creatures – Anne-Marie Marshall Fieber
July: Potter – Linda Chew
August: Metal Sculptures – Lucille Scott
September: Green Woodsman – Mark Codling
October: Teddy Bear Orphans – Penny Bonser
November/December: The 2022 Guests Return
1 November-24 December: “The Guests of 2021 Return”
A chance to see again the wonderful work of our guest makers from this year, some whose exhibitions were cancelled or shortened will be showing their work in 2022 instead – ceramics, mosaics, metal and wood.
1-30 October: Mark Codling – “Mark Fireeye, Green Woodsman”
Mark works with green wood harvested locally to produce a range of bowls, platters and spoons. As part of the Dorset Coppice Group he exhibits widely at local events.
1-30 September: Lesley Dixon – “Blue & White Pots and Birdbaths”
Lesley, a potter with many years practice, works with many clays and in many styles – we are delighted to show her creations in two areas, her delicately decorated blue & white ware (bowls, plates, mugs and lidded jars) beside her robust birdbaths, both single and multi section forms.
1-31 August: Gary Smith – “Welded Magic”
Usually found working on aeroplanes Gary also transforms cutlery and other metal objects into art pieces. Often featuring birds, his complex creations are made as wall hangings and free standing sculptures.
1-31 July: Colin Robert Davis – “Made from Shards”
Returning to the Gallery after his wonderful show in July 2020 – our opening exhibition after the first lockdown, Colin will be delighting us with his mosaic animals, bunches of flowers, cacti, medals and so much more. He also uses his art to highlight recent events – you may find some Covid inspired work and thanks to all our health workers.
1-30 June: Wickeridge Wood – “Chairs, sticks and more”
Wickeridge Wood create a range of adult and children’s chairs, individually crafted in the county of Devon. Inspired by the colours, textures and forms of nature, they are full of character and each one is unique. They work with traditional methods handed down over the centuries and shared by a dwindling number of chair makers across the country. After many years of managing woods for others, Wickeridge Wood have been privileged to establish our own small woodland from which they craft something that they hope you will love and use for many years.
1-31 May: Trevor Ball – “Out of the Woods”
Trevor displays his artistic wood turning using a wide variety of native woods sourced locally in Dorset. He achieves a remarkably silky finish in all his pieces, a delight to touch.
12-30 April: Linda Chew – “A Potter in Porcelain”
Linda uses the whiteness and purity of porcelain, and the softness of clay to great advantage in her decorative techniques, creating individual pieces some functional and all decorative.
As her exhibition is only running for two weeks she’ll be returning to the Gallery for July 2022.
Our 2021 Guest Programme has been finalised:
January: When we usually have an exhibition of the latest work from our resident artists/makers, we have asked our guests from 2020 to stay on after Christmas as they lost November due to Covid lockdown – there will of course be plenty of our residents’ creations to view as well!
February: Pip White – felted landscapes – Cancelled, returning in 2022
March: Marnhull Leather – a wide range of items created in leather – Cancelled
April: Linda Chew – beautiful porcelain vessels and more – 12th-30th April
May: Trevor Ball – artistic woodturner
June: Wickeridge Wood with Bosket & Bough – makers of rustic chairs, walking sticks and wooden spoons
July: Colin Robert Davis – a return visit for Colin’s amazing mosaic wall hangings
August: Gary Smith – creative welder
September: Lesley Dixon – sculptural and functional ceramics
October: Mark Codling – green woodsman
November/December: the Guests of 2021 return
November/December: “The Guests of 2020”
We very much hope to be able to reopen after the second phase of lockdown in early December – when the six guests we have been able to host this year return with a fantastically varied exhibition of their wares. Ceramics. weaving, leatherwork, lighting and mosaics including mirrors.
1-31 October: Liz Hollingworth – “Through the Looking Glass”
Liz will display a wide variety of framed artwork mirrors. The frames are created using found objects, glass fragments and cut ceramics – giving a wide range of surfaces and textures.
1-30 September: Tim Rose – “Pastels & Pots”
Tim’s stoneware functional pottery and more sculptural pieces will be backed by a small selectiion of his pastel framed originals.
1-31 August: Laura Evans – “Colour & Light”
Laura is a fine artist and printmaker. Her plant, flowers and landscape inspired patterns enhance any room. Her lamps with her hand printed shades are a piece of art that provide a beautiful focal point. Changing with light they bring a warming glow that brightens up your home whether it is a dull summer’s day or dark winter’s evening.
1-31 July: Colin Robert Davis – “The Art of Broken Things”
Colin’s mosaic creations are designed from upcycled plates and crockery. He likes to blend transferware, retro patterns and maker stamps into his mosaics creating creatures,birds and plants.
Most unfortunately our March-June exhibitions have had to be cancelled for this year with the restrictions being implimented in the attempt to contain the COVID19 pandemic. Marnhull Leather (March), Rose Hatcher (April), Trevor Ball (May) and Wickeridge Wood (June) have all been invited to join us for a replacement exhibition for the same month in 2021. Hopefully things will be back to normal for July 2020, but further information will be posted when we know more – stay well all ……………….
1-29 February: “The Wicked Weavers”
Bridget Eastman & Christine Gregory – the Wicked Weavers – weave the magic in glorious colours to brighten the dull days of February.
3-31 January: “Wareham Blues”
Our resident artists/makers put together their creations in blue – paintings of Wareham and its surrounding, pots, glass, jewellery and textiles all in varying hues of blue.
Our guest programme for 2020 will be as follows:
January: Our resident artists & makers
February: The Wicked Weavers – Bridget Eastman & Christine Gregory
March : Marnhull Leathercraft – Martin & Marie Little
April: Rose Hatcher – textile artist
May: Trevor Ball – artistic woodturner
June: Wickeridge Wood with Bosket & Bough – seats, sticks & spoons
July: Colin Robert Davis – mosaic artist
August: Laura Evans – fine artist and print maker
September: Tim Rose – potter
October: Liz Hollingworth – mosaic mirrors
November/December: the return of all our 2020 guest artists/makers
1 November-24 December: “Making Merry”
All our guests from the 2019 programme of guest makers return with a small sample of the lovely things they’ve displayed with us throughout the year – ceramics, felt, iron work, paintings, prints, photography and wood work – a chance to pick up an original Christmas gift created by local artists/makers.
1-31 October: “Christmas is Coming”
Charming, characterful cottages and Christmas decorations all individually designed by Kathryn D’Arcy will be on show for our final guest exhibition of the year. These miniature works of art are all created with lazer cut wood, using modern techniques and traditional materials.
3-30 September: “Plants in Print”
A fabulous collection of Robin Moorcroft‘s prints will be on show in the Gallery during September. Robin creates individually inked prints using collography, line cutting and mono printing to produce a diverse range of images inspired by the world of plants.
31 July-3 September: “Out of the Smoke”
A welcome return for ceramicist Jan Griffiths. Jan’s latest work is mainly pit fired, exploring the rich variety of surfaces that this technique can achieve with random control, a fascinating and challenging process.
1-30 July: “Colleen du Pon – Artist Blacksmith”
Colleen joins us at the Creative with her wonderful creations in iron. Working at her forge she fashions functional and sculptural pieces for home and garden – small and large in scale.
1-30 June: “Our Jurassic Coast”
Tony Cowburn will be exhibiting his amazing photographs of the Jurassic Coast where it extends to the Isle of Purbeck – images that can be enjoyed during Purbeck Art Weeks and throughout June.
1-31 May: “Suzette Knight – Ceramics”
Suzette combines throwing and hand building to produce her sculptural vessels giving each piece an individuality. Her more functional ware is thrown and slab built, and decorated with slips and glazes to create her own palette.
1-30 April: “Nature Reclaimed”
During April we welcome Karen Frampton to the Gallery. Karen paints scenes on reclaimed wood – often of the trees she sees daily from her home in the New Forest. The imperfections of the wood are used to stunning affect.
1-31 March 2019: “More Than Pens”
Known as the Penman, Andy Millar will have a wide range of his creations in wood. As well as his stunning pens, there will be boxes, chopping boards, wine stoppers and more. Beautiful surfaces smoothed from a stunning material.
1-28 February 2019: “Softened Landscapes II”
Pip White returns to the Gallery for a second exhibition of her delightul needle-felted pictures. Country and coastline scenes, small and large, all framed and in remarkable detail. Heart warming images for the cold winter months.
3 -31 January 2019: “A Winter Walk in the Purbeck”
New work from our resident artists, Cliff and Graham Towler, celebrate the delights of where we live – winter and summer there is always so much to enjoy in the glorious Isle of Purbeck.
Our programme for 2019 will feature the following artist/makers:
February: Pip White returns with her needlefelted pictures
March: Andy Millar, boxes & pens in wood
April: Karen Frampton, paintings on wood
May: Suzette Knight, stoneware ceramics
June: Tony Cowburn, Dorset landscape photographs
July: Colleen du Pon, ornamental & functional ironwork
August: Jan Griffiths, raku & pit fired ceramics
September: Roin Moorcroft, botanical fine art prints
October: Kathryn D’arcy, laser cut cottages & decorations
November/December: All our guest artist/makers for 2019 return for a group show.
1 November-24 December: “Coming Back for Christmas”
All our guests from 2018 return to the Gallery for a mixed exhibition with a small number of each of their creations. Along with festive items created by our resident artist/makers there will be a chance to purchase items you’ve seen throughout the year as special locally produced gifts for Christmas.
1-31 October: “My Needle Felted Friends”
With the on-set of colder autumn months we will be welcoming a host of forest and domestic animals crafted with needle felt by the skilled hands of Linda Payne.
31 August-30 September: “Lucian Drane – Ceramics & Glass”
Lucian will be exhibiting both the ceramics and glass he creates – vessels and more sculptural pieces in these contrasting materials.
3-30 August: “Metal & Mosaics”
Purbeck/London artist Kitty Hartnell joins us with her colourful and varied mosaics along side the mild steel garden sculptures she creates. 
1 July-2 August: “Wild Wood”
July sees the return of Olivia Clifton-Bligh to the Creative with her fabulous hand burnished and illuminated linocut prints from her new ‘tree ogham’ series exploring indigenous tree lore from Ireland and the British Isles’.
1-30 June: “Sea and Sky”
Colin Jones will be exhibiting his spectacular stoneware bowls and jars at the Gallery throughout June. The colours and depths of the sea and sky are captured in the varied glazes he uses for his creations.
1-31 May: “Into the Woods”
During May Katy Tunstall‘s porcelain and stoneware vessels will be returning to the Gallery. Katy screen prints images of trees and birds, and impresses foliage onto her slab built forms.
2-28 April: “Time and Tide Again”
Harbours and seaside scenes are captured in drift wood and upcycled materials by Lynsey Reid. Joyful ornaments for your home.
1-30 March: “Living Wood”
Peter Thomas, master wood turner, joins us during March with his creations in wood, finely turned from the wood from trees on the land he farmed in his younger years.
1-28 February: “Softened Landscapes”
For our first guest maker of 2018 we welcome Pip White who is creating a selection of felted pictures – landscapes, birds and flowers.
2-31 January: “Wareham Winter”
Our resident artists and makers celebrate the delightful Saxon town in which we are situated. A warm, wintery welcome awaits.
Our 2018 programme of guest makers in now complete
January: “Wareham Winter” – resident artists/makers
February: Pip White – felted pictures
March: Peter Thomas – master woodturner
April: Lynsey Reid – upcycled art
May: Katy Tunstall – stoneware & porcelain vessels
June: Colin Jones – stoneware ceramics
July: Olivia Clifton-Bligh
August: Kitty Hartnell – metal work & mosaics
September: Lucian Drane – glass & ceramic design
October: Linda Payne – needle felted animals
November/December: All the guests for the year return for a mixed exhibition of all the delights that have been shown in the Gallery over the last nine months.
1 November-23 December: “We wish you a wooden Christmas”
Something a bit different for our Christmas show – we will be joined by eight makers in wood, all creating in different ways. Geoff Knott – wood turner (chair pictured below), Richard Gibson – shaker box maker, David Ewer – green wood maker (reindeers as above), John Sweeney – spoons and pimps (don’t ask … well actually they are very beautiful rustic fire starters), Jane Dunn – driftwood Christmas decorations, Maggie Powell – laser cut Christmas decorations, Kate Kirkby – gothic mirrors and Andy Millar – the pen man (the latter two returning after their very successful show in April.
29 September-31 October: “Creature Creations”
A delightful display of mythical and imagined birds and animals in papier mache created by Diana Girdwood – colourful to brighten up autumn days.
1-29 September: “The Fabric of Art”
Brenda Weeks exhibits her dramatic, intricate embroidered textiles at the Creative during September. Framed pieces, bags and colourful brooches.
31st July-31st August: “From Fire and Smoke”
We are delighted to welcome David Walker, Weymouth potter, back to the Gallery with his astonishing naked raku pottery. David hand builds his sculptural forms and vessels before submitting them to the fire and smoke of the raku firing process – his skill is displayed in a dazzling array of forms all of which have been plucked red hot from the kiln and plunged into sawdust for the smoking process.
3rd-30th July: “Woodland Wanderings”
Mary Sutton returns to the Gallery for our July exhibition, with a stunning display of her new work inspired by her walks through the Dorset countryside. Mary uses machine embroidery and layers of fabric to create truly evocative landscapes.
1st June-2nd July: “Artistry In Iron”
Our first visit from a blacksmith, Lucille Scott will be showing unusual ways in which iron can be used to create sculptures as well as every day items, often combining the metal with other materials such as glass and stone.
1st -31st May: “Plants Up Close”
Gill Jelley, botanical painter, will be exhibiting her detailed paintings for flowering plants – the out come of hours of observing the intricasies of plants up close.
3rd-29th April: “Reflections in Wood”
Reflections can be in water or glass, or written as memories – Kate Kirkby and Andy Millar join us at the Creative, Kate with her gothic mirrors made from recycled wood and Andy with his pens beautifully turned from exotic woods.
1st March-1st April: “Traditional & Contemporary Willow”
We have the pleasure of welcoming Linda Mills to the gallery with her woven willow sculptures and baskets which combine traditional techniques with a contemporary twist.
1st-28th February: “A Passion for Paper”
Katie Davies returns with her paper cut pictures, a kaleidoscope of colours and shapes, carefully framed for a contemporary look . Hearts, maps, birds and more.
4th-31st January: “Memories of Summer”
A selection of art works, pottery, photography, glass and jewellery created by our resident artists/makers in celebration of the glorious summers past – looking forward to the longer, brighter days to come …………….
Our programme of guest makers for 2017 will be as follows:
January: Our resident artists/makers ” Memories of Summer”
February: Katie Davies – paper cut pictures “A Passion for Paper
March: Linda Mills – willow weaving
April: Kate Kirkby and Andy Millar – mirrors, pens & boxes
May: Gillian Jelley – botanical paintings
June: Lucille Scott – blacksmith
July: Mary Sutton – textile pictures
August: Dave Walker – naked raku pottery
September: Brenda Weeks – embroidered textiles
October: Diana Girdwood – papier mache animal sculptures
November/December: “We wish you a wooden Christmas” – 8 makers in wood.
4th November-24th December: “Twelve Makers for Christmas”
This year we’re going for something a little different, we know how difficult it can be to find that perfect gift for someone special at Christmas – so we’re bringing you a selection of work made be some of our previous guests, and some makers new to the Gallery.
And you can sing along to enjoy the items that will be on offer ….
On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a pot by Jack Doherty.……………………….
On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me – two driftwood trees (by Jane Dunn)
On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me – three pots of flowers (by Maggie Cooke)
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me – four button jewels (by Gill Smeulders)
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me – five cats by Em-i-ly (by Emily Stracey)
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me – six paper bowls (by Babs Barrow)
On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me – seven towering vases (by Bryony Burn)
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me – eight Christmas fairies (by Judi Northover)
On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me – nine felted pictures (by Rose Hatcher)
On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me – ten stitched brooches (by Anne-Marie Vanner)
On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me – eleven driftwood harbours (by Michelle Clements)
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me – twelve shaker boxes (by Richard Gibson)
1st October-3rd November: “My Take on Nature”
Brian Chard, local wildlife photographer, will exhibit his superb colour photographs of British animals and birds, as well as more exotic species taken on trips to other parts of the world. As well as framed and mounted prints, there will also be a selection of smaller items into which he incorporates his images.
1st-30th September: “A Light Breeze”
Carol and Neil Cruickshank will be exhibiting their combined and individual creations during September. Carol creates textile images using patchwork techniques of the Jurassic Coast and Dorset towns and villages, which Neil frames in driftwood frames, as well as creating more sculptural pieces from driftwood and found objects.
2nd-31st August: “A Colourful Patchwork in Clay”
The fabulous ceramic vessels created by Jacqui Atkin will be showcased in the Gallery during August. Brilliant colours are used to enhance the images built up in the decorative layers in Jacqui’s work – a delight in the summer sunshine.
1st July-1st August: “Feathers and Flora”
Olivia Clifton Bligh will be exhibiting her hand burnished and illuminated linocut prints along with some of the bronze sculptures she creates. Her prints appear in frames and mounts, as cards and books. Birds and flowers feature in her detailed and interwoven images.
1st-30th June: “Out of the Woods”
Paul Boak joins us in the Gallery for June. His beautifully turned and carved wooden vessels will be a real highlight in the Gallery’s programme for 2016. Wood is a captivating material, and the surfaces Paul achieves after many hours of painstaking work have to be touched to be fully appreciated.
2nd-31st May: “Driftwood Harbours and Seascapes”
During May and the beginning of Purbeck Art Weeks (running 28th May-12th June) we delighted to welcome Michelle Clements with her quirky harbours and seascapes all made from driftwood found on beaches of Dorset and the West Country. Michelle also creates jewellery inspired by the sea and incorporating found sea glass.
1st-30th April: “Sewing for Spring”
As Spring sunshine lengthens the days we are delighted to welcome Anne-Marie Vanner (Meninafeliz) – an enchanting display of items created from fabrics, paper, wire and much more – Accessories for fashion and the home.
1st-31st March: “Only Natural”
During March we host Katy Tunstall with her elegant porcelain and stoneware vessels, decorated with images inspired by the flora and fauna of West Dorset.
1st-29th February: “Hearts and Kaleidoscopes”
An exciting and colourful display of Katie Davies’ cut paper pictures. Hearts, butterflies and warm kaleidoscopes of brilliant colour.
4th-30th January: “New Year- New Work”
A mixed exhibition of new creations from our resident artists and makers. Ceramics by Rosemarie James and Fiona Kelly, paintings by Cliff and Graham Towler, silver jewellery by Wendy Nutt, photography by Caroline Walker and fused glass by Linda Rowe.
The programme for 2016 is all confirmed, an exciting mix of makers as listed below:
January: our resident makes/artists – “New Year – New Work”
February: Katie Davies – paper cut pictures – “Hearts and Kaleidoscopes”
March: Katy Tunstall – decorated vessels
April: Anne Marie Vanner – accessories for home and fashion
May: Michelle Clements – driftwood landscapes
June: Paul Boak – turned and carved wood
July: Olivia Clifton Bligh – lino cuts and bronze sculpture
August: Jacqui Atkin – contemporary ceramics
September: Carol and Neil Cruickshank – patchwork pictures and driftwood.
October: Brain Chard – wildlife photography
November/December: “12 Makers for Christmas!” – a change from our usual individual or small group guests, there will be 12 makers for two months – featuring Jack Doherty, Bryony Burn, Emily Stracey and Maggie Cooke ceramics, driftwood trees and landscapes by Jane Dunn and Michelle Clements, Shaker boxes by Richard Gibson, papier mache bowls from Babs Burrow, felt by Rose Hatcher,and decorative accessories and jewellery from Anne Marie Vanner, Judi Northover and Gill Smeulders.
1st-24th December: “Three from the East”
Closing our year of pottery guest makers the Gallery hosts an exhibition of the work of three East Dorset potters. Suzette Knight, Holly Sandham and Jan Thompson. They all create constructed and encrusted vessels, but use very different techniques and glazes celebrating the amazing variety that can be achieved with clay.
2nd-28th November: “Porcelain and Crystals”
Heather Muir & Rose Bates
During November we welcome two Southern Ceramic Group members – Heather Muir and Rose Bates. Heather makes delicate porcelain vessels in subtle shades, her bowls are often faceted to give surface interest, while Rose works extensively with crystalline glazes on many forms, as well as working in raku and porcelain.
2nd-31st October: “Storm, Calm and Smoke”
Tessa Wolfe Murray joins us for October. Her wall hangings and vessels capture movement and peace with elegant, minimal lines and contours.
2nd-30th September: “Nature in Clay”
Jill Fanshawe Kato‘s beautifully illustrated vessels celebrate the wonders of nature. Birds, sea and plant life are all featured.
1st-31st August: “Ceremonies for Everyday”
We are delighted to be joined by renowned potter Lisa Hammond for the month of August.
Lisa will show her soda fired wares, many of which are designed for everyday use, for those moments when to use a special clay vessel can turn a simple mug of tea or coffee into so much more.
29th June-31st July: “Together in Clay”
Fil and Maggie Cooke will be showing the work they produce from their workshop in Upwey. Fil uses stoneware clay and fires in a soda kiln, making robust functional forms, while Maggie creates very delicate porcelain bowls and wall hangings with impressed natural objects and plants. A delightful contrast.
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2nd-31st May: “Emerging Forms”
David Walker returns for a third exhibition at the Gallery with his fantastic naked raku pottery. Dave’s free flowing, dymanic forms are now often highlighted with contrasting glazes, his techniques and shapes are always evolving.
Dave is with us for the first half of Purbeck Art Weeks, which runs from 23rd May-7th June – a great opportunity to view a wealth of local talent throughout the beautiful Isle of Purbeck.
1st-28th June: “Sculptural Geometry”
Mark Hilde exhibits for the second week of Purbeck Art Weeks, and throughout June. Mark’s individually handbuilt sculptures demonstrate his interest in architecture and the interplay of light and shadows.
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2nd March-1st April: “Out of the Smoke”
Jan Griffiths and Margaret Newton will be showing their work in the Gallery through March. Jan mainly uses raku firing, and Margaret smoke fires her sculptures – both these techniques trap the smoke within the clay to enhance or describe the piece.
2nd April-1st May: “Out of the Blue”
Russell Coates from Somerset was one of my first evening class tutors at Goldsmiths’ College. He has trained in Japan to develop his own individual style using underglaze blue to paint his designs of animal, birds and fish onto platters, bowls, boxes, vases, mugs and jugs, before enamelling with bright colours to bring his pots to life.
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2nd-31st January: “Ancient Wares”
We kick off our 2015 programme of guest makers with Bill Crumbleholme‘s pots inspired by his interest in archeological finds from medieval and iron age digs. Bill also creates pottery using the ancient firing techniques of raku and wood firing. His “Ancient Wares” fit perfectly into a modern setting.
2nd-28th Febuary: “For Love of Clay”
Emphasising the importance of the teacher/student relationship when learning the art of making in clay, Charlotte Miller who teaches pottery classes in Poole exhibits with one of her students, Felicity Roberts. Charlotte is well known for her fanciful budgies, while Felicity produces varied sculptural pieces.
Programme for Guest Makers 2015
We have Guest Makers for 2015 to celebrate the 40 years that the Gallery owner has spent making pots. These are all potters who have taught, inspired or encouraged Fiona over the years, and demonstrate the full range of clays and the possibilities of what can be made using them.
January – Bill Crumbleholme – archeological pots
February – Charlotte Miller & Felicity Roberts – sculptural ceramics
March – Jan Griffiths & Margaret Newton – raku and smoke fired ceramics
April – Russell Coates – underglaze blue porcelain
May – David Walker – naked raku pottery
June – Mark Hilde – ceramic sculptures
July – Fil & Maggie Cooke – soda fired stoneware and porcelain
August – Lisa Hammond – soda glazed shino pottery
September -Jill Fanshawe Kato – stoneware decorated ceramics
October – Tessa Wolfe Murray – smoked pottery
November – Rose bates & Heather Muir – crystalline glaze and porcelain
December – Jan Thompson, Holly Sandham & Suzette Knight – encrusted and constructed vessels.
Full details for each exhibition will be posted as titles and dates are finalised.
1st-24th December “Festive Greetings”
Our final exhibition of the year will include festive gift ideas from all our resident artist/makers as well as drift wood Christmas trees and wreaths.
1st-29th November “Creatures in Clay”
During November we will be welcoming a host of animals to the Gallery – both domestic and wild, created by Pippa Hill, animal sculptor from North Dorset.
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2nd-30th October “Jazzy and Jeff’s Furtastic Empurrium”
Cats and more from Emily Stracey‘s fantastic world of fantasy. 
1st-30th September “Fractured Earth”
The sculptural vessels of Ian Harris inspired by the weathering and movements in our landscape. 
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1st-31st August “Impressions of Fire II”
David Walker returns with his amazing naked raku vessels. 
2nd-30th July “1st Gather”
The dazzling blown glass of Lance Jones – bowls, vases and orbs, catching the summer sunlight. 
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1st-22nd May “Dorset Blues”
Mixed show of creations by our resident artist/makers celebrating the blues of the sea and sky in summer.
24th May-8th June “Venetian Carnival”
Following the theme for Purbeck Art Weeks 2014 our resident artists, Cliff and Graham Towler, have created a selection of original acrylic paintings, prints and cards inspired by the Venetian Carnival. These are accompanied by a wide selection of photographs, ceramics, and jewellery which take their inspiration from the beautiful Purbeck landscape in which we live. The Gallery will be staffed by our makers who will be demonstrating their techniques daily as well as serving customers. The Gallery will be open seven days a week from 24th May, from 10am-5pm, until October, 2014.
The Gallery will also be represented in the main Purbeck Art Weeks exhibition at Rollington Barn, near Corfe Castle. See the PAW website for more information about all the shows and events during PAW 2014.
9th-30th June “The Wild Side of Dorset”
An exhibition of paintings, ceramics and photography highlighting the beauty of the scenery and wildlife to be found in Dorset. We will also be hosting a display from the local RSPB branch and Dorset Wildlife containing information about local reserves, events and membership opportunities.
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18th-31st January 2014 – the Gallery will be closed for redecoration. Reopening on 1st February with our guest maker programme:
1st-28th February – “A Softer View”
Rose Hatcher: felt artist. Combining merino wool and silks Rose creates dazzling landscape and flower pictures, as well as accessories and jewellery. 
3rd-29th March – “From Tree to Table”
Peter Thomas: wood turner Peter takes locally sourced wood that would other wise be put on the fire and turns it into fabulous bowls, platters, candle sticks and much more.
1st-30th April – “Faces and Places”
Caroline Walker: photographer An exhibition of Caroline’s travel photography, in contrast to her Dorset landscape photography which is always on show at the Gallery.
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The following lists our programme of guest artist/makers for 2014
January – Creative resident artist/makers and the Gallery will be closed for the last two weeks of January for redecoration. February – Rose Hatcher: felt artist March – Peter Thomas: wood turner April – Caroline Walker: photographer May/June: Creative artist/makers for Purbeck Art Weeks July – Lance Jones: glass artist August – David Walker: naked raku pottery September – Ian Harris: sculptural ceramics October – Emily Stracey: ceramics and prints November – Pippa Hill: ceramic sculptures December – A Creative Christmas
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November/December 2013
November highlights the work of our resident artist Cliff Towler, showing a selection of his new paintings of the Jurassic Coast Wildlife and Landscapes.
During December we will feature work by all resident artist/makers with a Christmas theme – A Creative Christmas. Drift wood trees, glass and ceramic decorations and gifts of jewellery, pottery, photography and paintings. 
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September/October 2013
Continuing our “Maker of the Month” series in September we have the work of textile artist Mary Sutton: “A Country Living”. Images of countryside, animals, flowers and more. Mary’s textile pictures will be on show in the Gallery from Monday, 2nd September until Saturday, 28th September.
And following on from then we exhibit the pots of Val Sparkes in “All at Sea” a selection of pots inspired by the shipping forecaste, alongside her charming domestic ware, from 1st-31st October. 
July/August 2013
New from July 2103 we are introducing a series of “Artist of the Month” exhibitions. Starting on 5th July-31st July with “Heading West” – paintings and prints of the Jurassic Coast and the West Country by Graham Towler.
And followed by our first guest artist with “Impressions of Fire” – the naked raku pottery of David Walker from 2nd August-31st August.
Watch this space for further announcements!