Newsletter No 8 – 26th June 2026
26th June marks National Cream Tea Day — a quintessentially British celebration that sits rather perfectly alongside gardens in full bloom, paintings drying in the sunshine, and the entirely reasonable consumption of one slice of cake too many.
It is a gentle nod to those long, languid days of the English summer, when roses tumble over garden walls, conversations meander as pleasantly as country lanes, and life seems, for a fleeting moment, to slow to the pace of a well-brewed pot of tea. After all, there are few things more reassuringly British than the belief that most of life's challenges can be improved by the addition of a cup of tea, a scone and a little company.
So, if picnics, cream teas, homemade cakes and leisurely afternoons are very much your cup of tea, then do join us at the Lindengate Festival of Art & Gardens over the August Bank Holiday weekend, from 28th–31st August 2026. Your penchant for all things delightfully indulgent will be richly rewarded, while your eyes can feast on six acres of beautiful gardens, exceptional art, live music and creativity around every corner. After all, one should never exercise only the taste buds when there are so many other senses waiting to be spoiled.
John Everett Millais, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The Art Exhibitionists present:
The Lindengate Festival of Art and Garden
How does fine art paired with beautiful gardens sound?
28–31 August 2026 | Lindengate Charity, Wendover
Looking for the perfect August Bank Holiday day out for the whole family?
Imagine six acres of beautiful gardens, outstanding and affordable original art, live music, creative workshops, delicious food and drink, and plenty of opportunities to relax, explore and be inspired.
This August Bank Holiday, The Art Exhibitionists are transforming the stunning gardens of Lindengate Charity into a vibrant celebration of art, nature and creativity.
What's Included?
Original art, sculpture, ceramics and contemporary craft
Six acres of curated gardens to explore
Access to Lindengate's brand-new Japanese-style water garden
Live music every afternoon
Artist demonstrations throughout the day
Creative masterclasses for adults and children
Lindengate's café, supplying plenty of teas, cakes, lunch and refreshments
Garden tours and the chance to learn more about Lindengate's inspiring work as a mental health charity
And, because this is an Art Exhibitionists event, expect a few magical surprises along the way...
Event Details
28–31 August 2026
10am–4pm daily
£8 Early Bird | £10 On The Door
Children under 16 go free
Your ticket includes entry to both the Art Festival and all six acres of gardens.
Even better, 50% of all entrance profits go directly to Lindengate Charity, helping support mental health and wellbeing through nature.
Masterclasses
Creative workshops and masterclasses go on sale via our website on 10 July 2026.
Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned artist, places are expected to fill quickly, so be ready to book early. mark your calendar and click here to book
Come for the art. Stay for the gardens. Leave inspired.
And if your idea of a perfect Bank Holiday includes art, gardens, live music, cream teas, homemade cake and a leisurely wander in beautiful surroundings, then frankly we'd be delighted to enable that particular habit.
Friday Mornings: Tons of Paint, Total mindful submersion
At The Art Exhibitionists, we believe that everyone can be creative with the right encouragement, guidance and a little time to explore. That's exactly what happens every week at our popular art classes held at St Mary's Church Hall in Princes Risborough.
Meeting on Fridays from 11am–1pm during term time, these friendly and welcoming sessions bring together artists of all abilities, from complete beginners picking up a paintbrush for the first time to more experienced creatives looking to develop their skills and try something new.
What makes the classes special is the variety. Each five-week block explores a different combination of subjects, techniques and materials, ensuring that no two terms are ever quite the same. One week participants might be experimenting with vibrant acrylics and expressive colour, while the next could involve illustrative pen work, watercolour, ink, mixed media or drawing inspired by the natural world.
Our tutors each bring their own expertise, enthusiasm and artistic style to the classroom. Whether exploring bold contemporary painting, detailed illustration or experimental mixed media techniques, students are encouraged to develop their own creative voice while learning practical skills in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Classes are intentionally kept small, allowing for plenty of individual attention and one-to-one guidance throughout each session. All materials are provided, making it easy for participants to simply arrive, settle in and enjoy the creative process without needing to invest in equipment.
Beyond the artwork itself, the classes have become a valued social space where friendships are formed, confidence grows and creativity flourishes. There is always plenty of encouragement, laughter and mutual support, along with the satisfaction that comes from learning something new and seeing your skills develop over time.
Whether you are looking to rekindle a long-forgotten passion for art, learn a new technique, meet like-minded people or simply spend a couple of hours immersed in creativity, our weekly classes offer the perfect opportunity.
We look forward to welcoming you to the easel soon.
Some fishy shenanigans with @Magically Wild Art’s Sardine class.
Fancy joining the gang in september? Grab your spot here — places disappear rather quickly once the paint starts flying!:
Stuff We Did
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Stewart has continued his exercise regime despite temperatures that would make most sensible people seek refuge in a paddling pool. We are beginning to suspect he's secretly training for an ultra-marathon across the Sahara, although he insists it's just "a quick run."
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Lucy enjoyed a peaceful wander around the beautiful village of Royston before throwing caution (and serenity) to the wind with a trip to Legoland. Thankfully, the log flume provided some much-needed relief from the heat, as well as an excellent excuse to get completely soaked.
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Stewy is looking forward to a beer tasting session at Chiltern Brewery this weekend. We wish him every success in this important research project and trust he will leave no pint unturned in the pursuit of knowledge.
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Liz has been making the most of a few beach days in West Wittering with her son Tommy, escaping the inland heat and searching for that mythical British summer phenomenon: a cooling sea breeze.
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Lou spent the hottest day of the year so far driving across Buckinghamshire for a windscreen repair appointment, only to discover she'd arrived exactly two weeks early. The appointment had been lovingly booked and entered into the diary by her husband — a detail that became increasingly significant during the journey home. While the weather outside was officially "Scorchio", witnesses confirm that Lou was running considerably hotter under the collar, with only the car's air conditioning preventing spontaneous combustion.
Fun but Utterly Pointless Art Fact
Michelangelo complained about painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling. A lot.
In a poem to a friend, Michelangelo described his beard pointing at heaven, paint dripping onto his face, and his body becoming twisted into uncomfortable shapes from working overhead.
Less poetically,
"My neck hurts, my back hurts, and I'm covered in paint."
Michelangelo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons - Creation of Adam
When Is a Pile of Rubble Not a Pile of Rubble?
Have you ever found yourself looking at a piece of contemporary art while secretly wondering what on earth you're looking at?
Take, for example, the curious case of Tottenham artist Bagsy. In 2008, local resident Alan Stanton spotted what he believed to be a pile of dumped paving slabs in an alleyway and reported it. As it turned out, this was not fly-tipping at all, but an outdoor sculpture forming part of the entirely unofficial and unattended Bring Art to an Alley Near You exhibition.
Bagsy later explained that his original vision had involved 120 paving slabs. Unfortunately, 115½ had allegedly been stolen from the back of his motorbike, leaving only four-and-a-half to carry the artistic message. One imagines this merely enhanced the conceptual depth of the work.
The lesson? Before assuming something is rubbish, always check whether it's contemporary art.
Slabs Chestnut Estate, Tottenham jpeg - wikimedia- Creative commons attribution-share alike 2.0 Generic license
Emergency Phrase for Any Arty Situation
Should you find yourself completely out of your depth, simply pause, look thoughtful, and say:
"What's particularly interesting is that the work raises questions rather than providing answers."
This can be applied to virtually any artwork ever created, from Renaissance masterpieces to half a paving slab in a back alley.
Use sparingly, nod wisely, and nobody will suspect a thing.
TTFN - love the Art Exhibitionists Team