A Newcastle art gallery’s budding new relationship with a flower festival will see a specially curated collection of artwork go on display in Northumberland for the first time later this month.
As part of an ongoing programme of collaborative working, The Biscuit Factory – the UK’s largest independent art, craft and design gallery – is hosting a pop up exhibition at this summer’s first Hexham Abbey Flower Festival. The collection will encompass a handpicked selection of paintings, prints, sculpture and jewellery, with all work available to buy.
The festival, which takes place between 21 and 23 July, is a celebration of colour, nature and creativity, featuring more than 40 displays created by Hexham & District Flower Club. Points of interest inside the Abbey, including the altar, night stairs and frith stool will be adorned with a series of floral displays throughout the weekend.
The line-up also includes a marquee and outdoors market, with a host of stalls, workshops and demonstrations, plus activities for all ages, including a BBQ, bouncy castle and tombola.
Rachel Brown, general manager of The Biscuit Factory, says: “We believe that art should be easy to access and available to all, which is why we enjoy bringing collections out of the gallery and into new and unexpected places.
“Hosting pop up exhibitions means that we can complement an event or venue, and with surroundings as magnificent as the Abbey, we’re planning a beautiful display of artwork that have flora and fauna, the natural world and colour at the core of their design. We’ll be running a prize draw over the weekend too, with the winner receiving a £100 gift voucher to spend in the gallery.”
Philippa Richmond, event organiser at Hexham Abbey adds: “We are delighted to have The Biscuit Factory supporting our inaugural Flower Festival. It is a great pleasure to host such a prestigious organisation here in Hexham, and we are sure their flower themed pop up exhibition will be a very popular feature over the weekend.”
Hexham Abbey Flower Festival takes place 10am-5pm from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 July and is free to attend. For more information, visit www.hexham-abbey.org.uk/flowerfest