30 Years at Patchings – Painting a Picture of Patchings Art Festival

Nestled within picturesque countryside just west of Calverton in Nottinghamshire, Patchings Art Centre is a unique creative centre now in its 30th year promoting the enjoyment of art. Open all year round, the centre has its own galleries of fine art and giftware, a widely stocked art materials shop, and offers teachings for all ages at their in house art school. Just a hop, skip and a jump from the city centre, Patchings is an oasis of calm, colours and creativity.
 

Marrying together artists' workshops, a wonderful giftshop for those important (and impulsive) purchases, and all the art and craft materials you're going to need in order to release those creative talents, this is a destination in its own right.

This year marks the 25^th Anniversary of Patching’s Festival of Art, Craft & Photography which ran from 12^th – 15^th July. Held annually, this year has been extra special for the centre, with a host of even more of the UK’s finest artists, craft and photographers all descending upon 60 acres of Nottinghamshire countryside for four days only.

On the festival’s opening day, we strolled through the fabulous exhibits which held an abundance of professional paintings, drawings and crafts to buy, as well as art supplies for budding and experienced artists alike. Patchings runs its festival with a programme of talks, and we were welcomed with a morning session from Carole Baker, who demonstrated how to use watercolour for landscape painting. More marquees saw artists demonstrating their skill, offering top tips and allowing the admiring visitors to make a purchase at very affordable prices.
 

Throughout the Glass and Painting Marquee, you can expect to see fine stands of homeware, woodwork, jewellery, collectable artworks, prints and garden accessories. Great for visitors obviously interested in developing their own art, the marquees around the festival are just as enjoyable to walk through for those visiting to scout unique gifts and crafts. Whatever paint, crayon fabric, texture floats your boat - it's all there. Landscapes, seascapes, cityscapes, abstract, animals, accessories and clothing...on and on it goes.
 

Obviously, it would be rude not to stop and listen to the band playing on the lawn between the marquees, and there were clearly some seasoned visitors in attendance, laying out their picnic rugs and tucking into a delicious lunch. Don't worry if you're not that organised - your wristband allows you to wander out to Patchings cafe - you won't be disappointed.

This family business goes from strength to strength is definitely worth a visit. For those going for the day, there is an onsite café serving homecooked food daily, plus you can enjoy Patchings’ very own hidden gem, the ‘Monet bridge’, when taking a walk around the countryside by the centre. 

Patchings regularly holds events throughout the year - keep an eye on our What’s On calendar for information on future events or scroll down to see what's coming up. With Patchings celebrating 30 years of the centre this year, they will be running an exhibition of celebrated artists David Curtis, Trevor Chamberlain & Bert Wright from August – October 2018. Click here to find out more.

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This blog was written by Lydia Jones and Jayne Nightingale.