New gallery celebrating craftmanship and art opens

The owners of the historic Hopton Hall Estate have opened a new gallery, which aims to connects centuries of craftsmanship with the artists shaping today’s landscape.

The new Hopton Hall Gallery, in St John Street, Ashbourne, is currently hosing its inaugural exhibition ‘Brushed Light: Atmospheric Watercolours’, featuring works by a number of local artists.

The gallery, created inside an 18th century building, is the brainchild of husband and wife Chris and Andi Harvey, owners and custodians of the Hopton Hall Estate, which is situated between Wirksworth and Ashbourne.

Chris said: “This project really has been a labour of love. The earliest known records of the property date back to 1770 and it’s enjoyed several different lives as a butcher’s, clockmaker’s and as a succession of drapers and outfitters.

“It’s such a characterful building and we’ve worked hard to preserve as many features as we can whilst renovating it to meet the needs of a 21st Century art gallery.”

Original contemporary artworks are available for purchase, in person at the gallery. Contemporary and antique artworks are also on sale at the online shop.

Over the next 12 months the gallery will offer an ever-changing programme of exhibitions and events, and the opportunity for the local community to hire the space for workshops.

Chris added: “It’s been so exciting to see the gallery come to life and we know that it is in safe hands with our gallery director, Ruth Matthews, who has also been instrumental in helping to build the success of our annual Month of Art celebration in July.

“Ruth’s vision in selecting the most talented artists for the gallery means we now have a fabulous calendar of exhibitions running until the end of May 2027.

“We’d like to invite the people of Ashbourne and art lovers more widely to come along to take a look.”

The new Hopton Hall Gallery is open for exhibitions from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.

For more information click here.