Newsletter No 6 – 24th April 2026

The Art Exhibitionists

Frontispiece of 1st edition of Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe from 1719 - Via Wikimedia Commons

April 24th has an artistic symmetry to it. On this day in 1731, Daniel Defoe, author of Robinson Crusoe, died — a writer who knew that a good story can transport us anywhere.

It is also the birthday of Anthony Trollope (born 1815), a master of observing the small dramas and quiet absurdities of everyday life. Together they remind us that storytelling is one of humanity’s most powerful creative acts — whether told with words, paint, clay, or a beautifully placed splash of colour.

Leslie Ward, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Which feels rather fitting for artists. Every painting, sculpture or sketch is, in its own way, a story — a captured moment, a mood, a curious observation of the world — inviting others to pause, look closer, and step inside.

And over next weekend, we are doing exactly that: celebrating creativity in all its forms, from ideas shared over coffee and canvases to the quiet magic that happens when people gather to make something beautiful together.

Our Bradenham Event is now almost upon us, arriving over the May Day Bank Holiday at Manor Farm. The planning stage is behind us and we are reaching that deliciously chaotic moment where the real magic begins — the build. Barns have been cleared, ideas that have taken shape will be brought to life, and the site is slowly transforming into the enchanted art-filled landscape we have all been imagining for months.

We’re also delighted that all donations from our 2026 exhibitions will support Lindengate — whose beautiful gardens nurture wellbeing through the healing power of nature. Do come and meet them next weekend and discover the wonderful work they do.

Stories, after all, are best when shared — and we cannot wait to welcome you into this one.

May Day Magic at Manor Farm, Bradenham

With just one week to go, the excitement is mounting for our May Day Bank Holiday takeover of Manor Farm — tucked away in the wonderfully picturesque National Trust village of Bradenham in the rolling Chiltern Hills (HP14 4DF).

For months we’ve been quietly plotting, planning and gathering artists, ideas and rather a lot of cake. Now the transformation is about to begin. The beautiful brick-and-flint barn — part of a working farm cared for by the same family for three generations — will soon be filled with contemporary art, sculpture, craft and the happy buzz of visitors discovering something unexpected.

The festivities begin when the event opens fully from 1–4 May across the long Bank Holiday weekend. Alongside the art you’ll find live music drifting across the courtyard, Morris dancers appearing with cheerful enthusiasm, artists demonstrating their craft, and a program of bookable masterclasses for anyone keen to try their own hand at making.

Naturally, no proper countryside gathering would be complete without refreshments. Expect excellent wines, coffee, tea, pies, cakes and other essential sustenance to keep both artistic spirits and energy levels high.

It’s shaping up well and we hope that everything comes together smoothly — beautiful surroundings, creative people, and the unlikely excitement of wandering through a magnificent barn filled with art. Over the coming days we’ll be sharing glimpses of the build, last-minute preparations and a few surprises as the farm slowly transforms into a magical art-filled village on our social media.

We very much hope you’ll come and be part of it. Tickets are now available…

Here

Masterclasses at Bradenham Art Fair

One Week to Go! Snap Up Your Spot at Bradenham Art Fair

Our fantastic range of Art Masterclasses are filling up! Each session is a generous taster in a different, inspiring medium, led by a professional artist and open to all skill levels.

Even better, you don’t have to settle for just one — they all look wonderfully tempting! To make it irresistible, we’re offering 20% off your second class (discount applies to the cheaper option).

So if something catches your eye, don’t hang about — secure your place before it’s too late.
Here’s the full line-up; simply click on any class title to book your spot:

Friday 1st May 11-1pm - Watercolour class with Paull Chappell - Join freelance professional illustrator (and keen watercolourist) Paul Chappell for a fast-paced introduction to creating a watercolour “mini masterpiece.” In this two-hour session you’ll learn how to choose a strong subject, spot light, dark and shade to add drama, and use luminous wet-in-wet washes to bring your scene to life.

Friday 1st May 1.30-3.30pm - Draw a cat with Mel Cairns - Join award-winning artist Mel Cairns (@i.am.melc) for a fun, fast-and-loose ink illustration workshop where you’ll learn to draw a characterful fluffy cat. Mel will guide you through simple layout, proportions and inky techniques, making this session ideal for complete beginners as well as confident doodlers keen to try a new style or medium.

Saturday 2nd May 9.30-11.30am - Experimental Mixed Media Monoprinting with Liam Biswell - Explore the playful, unpredictable world of monoprinting with artist Liam Biswell in this experimental mixed media workshop. You’ll use an etching press to create rich, characterful prints, combining techniques and materials from different printmaking styles to produce one-off pieces on beautiful papers – and even try printing on fabric.

Saturday 2nd `May 12.00-2.30pm - Oil Pastel Class with Jan Gaska - Join artist Jan Gaska for a relaxed outdoor workshop exploring oil pastels as a portable, expressive medium for drawing from life. Aimed at beginners and intermediate artists, this session makes the most of the farmyard setting, with its mix of farm machinery, rustic barns and characterful buildings to inspire your work.

Saturday 2nd May 3-4.30pm - Candle Making Workshop with Amanda Thomas - In this relaxing, hands-on workshop you’ll be guided step by step through the process of creating two luxurious candles, using beautifully balanced fragrances inspired by calm, comfort and springtime florals.

Sunday 3rd May 10.30-1pm - Fused Glass Workshop with Julia Batten - Discover the luminous world of fused glass with artist Julia Batten in this hands-on workshop inspired by rockpools and seaside treasures. Fused glass is created by layering pieces of coloured glass and then firing them in a kiln so they soften, bond and melt together into a single smooth artwork – capturing light, colour and texture in a way paint simply can’t.

Sunday 3rd May 1.30-4pm - Calligraphy with Kat Gaska - Discover the graceful art of brush pen calligraphy with artist Kat Gaska in this gentle, 2.5 hour introduction. Calligraphy is the beautiful art of expressive writing, where fluid strokes, varying line weights and rhythmic letterforms turn simple words into decorative artwork – think of it as drawing with letters, blending creativity, mindfulness and precision.

Monday 4th May 11-1pm - Wire Sculpture Workshop with Melissa Swan - Discover the tactile pleasure of wire sculpting in this relaxed, hands-on masterclass with artist Melissa Swan. Using simple tools and lightweight metal wire, you’ll learn how to bend, twist and shape wire into elegant three-dimensional forms that capture movement and character.

Monday 4th May 1.30-4pm - Lino Print Workshop with Chris Noel - Dive into the bold, graphic world of linocut printing with artist Chris Noel in this practical workshop, where you’ll design, carve and print your own unique artwork. Linocut (or lino printing) is a relief printing technique where you carve away negative space from a soft linoleum block, leaving raised areas that are inked and pressed onto paper to create striking, high-contrast images – think dramatic black-and-white posters or vibrant multi-colour designs with a handcrafted feel.

Stuff We Did

Our resident jet setter, Stewart, high rolled it into Prague for a birthday celebration — and by all accounts, it was one of the best weekends of his life. What a birthday party!
Lucy visited the ‘Twist’ museum in London and came away thoroughly tangled by the mind-bending optical illusions — we’re still trying to straighten her out!
Stewy kicked off his 60th year in suitably heroic style on the beautiful Long Mynd — hiking enormous hills through snow and sleet. Yes… actual snow.A bracing start to the decade and proof that birthdays are best celebrated with a very good sense of humour- or in Prague!!!
Liz enjoyed a glamping getaway to Rye with Mr Liz, where they indulged in some rather posh food and, once suitably replete, treated themselves to a bit of vintage shopping.
Lou marked her parents’ 60th wedding anniversary with the extended family — and against all the odds, everyone survived and had a lovely time! They obviously had Lou very very late on in their marriage.

Fun but Utterly Pointless Art Fact

Leonardo da Vinci, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Did you know that the Mona Lisa has no eyebrows? Whether this was the result of fashion, over-cleaning, or Leonardo simply not bothering, no one can say for sure — but it does mean the world’s most famous smile has managed to keep a little mystery, and a rather bare forehead, for over 500 years.

How to Talk Like a Seriously Arty Sort

There’s something deeply reassuring about standing in front of The Starry Night and nodding thoughtfully, as if one has long been in quiet dialogue with the cosmos. Note, if you will, the vigorous gestural brushwork and the emotional turbulence of the nocturnal firmament—phrases best delivered while clasping your chin and squinting slightly. One might casually remark that the painting explores “the tension between earthly containment and celestial flux,” which is art-speak for: the sky is having a bit of a dramatic moment and we’re all here for it.

Vincent van Gogh, Public domain image, via Wikimedia Commons

TTFN - love the Art Exhibitionists Team