North Yorkshire Open Studios this weekend - 13th & 14th June 2015

​I’m delighted to be taking part in the annual North Yorkshire Open Studios event this year. It’s something I’ve long wanted to do but, only now have I had opportunity to convert an outbuilding into a lovely little studio cum gallery for exhibiting my work. The first (thoroughly enjoyable) weekend has been and gone but I will be open again on the 13th and 14th June, 10.30 to 5.30. If you can’t make any of those days, then l am also able to be open by appointment.

I will have on display a large number of small, square photographs, framed in a natural, waxed, ash box frame with a triple core white mount - these will include Yorkshire landscapes, a few scenes from further afield and also some abstract photographs. I will also be displaying a few larger framed works. Some mounted prints will be available and I am also able to print a photograph for you, pretty much whilst you wait - so potentially any of my work is available to buy over the two weekends.

My range of greeting cards will be at a special discounted price over the two weekends - normally selling at £1.90 and £1.70 each, I will be offering all of them for a bargain £1 each. For those wanting something a little extra special, I will also have hand made cards for sale at a cost of £2.50 each. Again, if you are after something in particular, I will be able to make some cards up for you during the weekend - or you are welcome to contact me beforehand. I’ve been working like mad over the last few weeks to get the studio / gallery ready and I’m thrilled with how well it has turned out. All the work has really paid off and the comments and feedback I’ve had from visitors to date has been lovely to hear!

I am based in the centre of the lovely village of Marton cum Grafton - very near the village shop (almost opposite) and a hundred yards or so from our excellent local dining pub, the Punch Bowl Inn. I would highly recommend planning your visit round a drink, or a meal in the pub - the food is superb and it has a wonderful atmosphere. There are some lovely walks around the village too.You could also combine your visit with some of the many local attractions to be found within a few miles - Knaresborough is a lovely little town to explore, with some great architecture to be enjoyed, boat trips, a walk along the river… Also, this Saturday, the famous Knaresborough bed race takes place!

Just a little up stream from Knaresborough, is the stunning Nidd Gorge - again a superb place to enjoy some woodland walks by the River Nidd. Look out for dippers and kingfishers in particular - you have a high chance of spotting both!

Another less well known gem nearby is the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve at Staveley - a beautiful place for a walk and home to all sorts of wildlife ...

If you want a little culture, then you could do far worse than visit the excellent Roman site at Aldborough, run by English Heritage. Then a little further afield, you have the option of visiting many of the other excellent studios open for the two weekends - Easingwold and Harrogate are both pretty close by and many artists have their work on display in both locations. For more information, please visit the North Yorkshire Open Studios website, where you can see a full listing of artists taking part, as well as an interactive map to help you locate each studio. I’d be delighted to see as many of you as possible over the two weekends and will be happy to talk about all things photographic, my favourite haunts in Yorkshire and, if you like, I can even give you a few tips on putting down laminate flooring! ;0) Look forward to seeing some of you there!