Hebden Bridge Artists and Makers
Roo Waterhouse in her studio (photo by Simon Hulme)
Hebden Bridge has been a melting pot of creativity since the 1970s, when the hippie movement saved the former milltown from dereliction.
This creative hub is now home to many independent artists, drawn to the dramatic landscape of the Calder Valley and the innovative community that thrives here. Studios and workshops of both amateurs and esteemed professionals are dotted over the valley. There are also many shared studio spaces, as well as art galleries selling the work of local artists and makers.
Here, we shine a little light on some of the artists who have taken up residence in Hebden Bridge and the neighbouring town of Todmorden. As well as local artists and sculptors, we’ll show you around some of the galleries that grace these two busy, creative hubs. Given that there are so many brilliant artists in the area, there is no doubt we will only skim the tip of the iceberg in this article. So apologies in advance to anyone who gets missed off the list this time around. There are simply too many fabulous creators to fit into one small blog! We will revisit this theme again sometime soon.
ARTISTS | SCULPTORS | DESIGNERS
Roo Waterhouse
Roo Waterhouse specialises in original oil paintings of what she calls ‘shelf portraits’. These paintings of books on shelves are inspired by a love of books, as well the other everyday treasures that live on our mantelpiece.
The idea started when someone asked if she could paint their favourite books. It was a success and the idea caught on; Roo now takes commissions from people who want their favourite books and objets captured on canvas.
For Roo, glancing along a bookshelf can take you back in time. Our bookshelves evolve over the years to reflect our passions and interests, our aspirations and our dreams. Roo’s wonderful paintings capture the very essence of this personal history.
Hannah Nunn
Hannah is a designer/maker who has been based in Hebden Bridge for over 20 years. Together with her small team, she hand produces glowing paper-cut lighting, wallpaper, window film and a large collection of tiny laser-cut treasures, all inspired by the exquisite details found in nature.
Hannah started making lamps about 20 years ago. Her original lamps now grace people’s homes in all corners of the world. She has been on a rollercoaster of adventure, most recently losing her workshop during a huge fire. However, like a great phoenix, she has risen from the ashes to rebuild her business (and her spirits) and is now happily designing and creating once again.
View her work here:
Kate Lycett
Kate is a nationally-renowned artist, working in mixed media to create stunning textural lansdcapes. Her background in textiles influences the way she views the world around her: she sees patterns in everything. Her paintings are often lined with gold thread or gold leaf that illustrate the changing light of day.
There’s a great interview with Kate on the Yorkshire Post website: https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/yorkshires-favourite-artists-kate-lycett-sees-pattern-in-everything-143435
As well as the sweeping landscape and dramatic skies, Kate feels hugely inspired by Hebden Bridge and the creative community that lives there. She also loves the local history of this former milltown, once blackened by soot, then home to the hippy movement, through its evolution into a modern-day renowned beauty spot and centre for arts, music and independent shops.
Take a look at Kate’s fabulous paintings here:
Rachel Red
Rachel is a printmaker, designer and print teacher. Her work is a celebration of wild creatures, special places and folklore tales. Woodpeckers, owls and deer feature in her images, which are reminiscent of mid-20th century design.
She works mainly in linocut and screen printing, and also loves to experiment with monoprinting and collage. Her designs make their way onto paper, cotton, china and wood in the form of prints, notecards, mugs and teatowels. Rachel also teaches print making at Northlight Studios in Hebden Bridge. She is passionate about sharing the knowledge and resources she has gathered over the years and making a space for people's creativity to flourish.
You can view and buy her work here:
Louise Lockhart
Louise Lockhart is an illustrator and product designer. From her workshop in a renovated mill in Todmorden, she creates designs from little paper cut outs and line drawings, dreaming up worlds where men still wear suits and hats.
Renowned for her colourful, vintage-style illustrations (which have caught they eye of the likes of Liberty, Marks and Spencer and Heal’s), Louise Lockhart’s designs are playful and vibrant. She takes inspiration from vintage children’s books, as well as artists Nathalie Parain, Eric Ravilious and Edward Bawden. Her pictures usually feature a happy cat somewhere in the background!
Louise has clocked up an impressive roll-call of prestiguous clients and continues to go from strength to strength.
As well as working as a freelance illustrator, Louise also applies her illustrations to products for you and your home, which she sells in her online shop, The Printed Peanut.
You can follow on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest
https://theprintedpeanut.co.uk/
GECKOMAN | John Noble-Milner
John Noble-Milner is a wildlife sculptor working in bronze and ceramics. He expresses his passion for the planet through his work and his business values. Geckoman is a carbon neutral business, creating artifacts using recycled metals in his workshop that is powered by renewable energy.
His beautiful bronze and ceramic sculptures are handmade in Hebden Bridge. As John puts it, this is art you can feel good about.
To see his delightful collection of frogs, geckos , insects and other wildlife, go to:
BLOTT WORKS | Dan Morrison
Blott works was launched in September 2014 by Dan Morrison, an artist and engineer with many years experience creating intriguing worlds and objects. Based in Todmorden, he now creates hand-engineered lamps & clocks that perfectly marry sculpture and function with playfulness.
Dan loves to explore new possibilities and is always excited about embarking on a new project.
His enthusiasm and passion have taken him through the worlds of engineering design, drums and drum-making, the performing arts, music and the sound arts, through to the worlds of computer science, of software and digital development.
You can view his stunning collection of lamps here:
GALLERIES | STUDIOS
Hope Gallery
Hope Gallery provides a tranquil escape from the bustling town centre. This independent gallery is owned and run by owner Caroline Gillatt, who is hugely passionate about contemporary art and the independent artists she represents. Caroline has handpicked each piece with an ethos of ‘it’s not what it looks like, it’s how it makes you feel.’
You will find an interesting and varied collection of original art in different mediums. Some artists are based in Yorkshire, others are nationwide and international. Hope Gallery offers a 7 day home approval service, allowing you the opportunity to see if the piece is truly right for you.
You can find Hope Gallery here:
Hebble House
Old Gate
Hebden Bridge
HX7 6EN
The Heart Gallery
This independent contemporary gallery lies in the beating heart Hebden Bridge. Located in a former Baptist Chapel, The Heart Gallery has been proudly supporting local and UK artists, designers and makers since 2006.
They specialise in selling art, craft and jewellery that’s been handmade with love, both locally and around the UK. They are passionate about encouraging people to shop small and shop independent, and they pride themselves on their unique collection, as well as their helpful and friendly team.
Pop along and see them here:
The Heart Gallery
The Arts Centre, 4a Market Street
Hebden Bridge
HX7 6AA
https://hebdenbridgeopenstudios.org/artists/galleries-art-retailers/heart-gallery/
01422 845845
Northlight Art Studios
Northlight Art Studios provide studio spaces for artists, designers and makers. They also run a community art and school education programme, as well as a full calendar of events and exhibitions.
A vibrant not-for-profit cooperative, Northlights was established over 30 years ago and has evolved to become a centre of excellence for the visual arts and crafts.
Are you interested in learning some new skills or brushing up on what you already know? Follow the links below to view their programme of courses, workshops and summer schools.
https://www.northlightstudio.co.uk/
Open Studios
Hebden Bridge Open Studios is a not-for-profit organisation run by artists for artists. Every year, the artists and makers open their studios and workshops and invite the public in.
The concept is simple: by opening the doors to let people in to their creative spaces, they open up the possibility of art, culture and beauty enriching everybody’s lives. Hebden Bridge Open Studios passionately believe that these events help to strengthen the bonds that help this small, community-minded town to thrive.
The next Open Studios event is just in time for Christmas: Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd December 2023.
You can browse the Open Studios website to find details about all the artists involved, their work, practice and contact details.
https://hebdenbridgeopenstudios.org/artists/
Artsmill
Artsmill is based in Linden Mill, a former textile mill. This charity provides a not-for-profit arts space that hosts workshops, lectures, studio spaces, talks, poetry readings, exhibitions and music events.
Since opening in 2003, they have hosted exhibitions by internationally-renowned and emerging artists, as well as exhibiting the work of local and regional artists.
Previous exhibitions have included work by Picasso, Paula Rego, Frank Auerbach, Bridget Riley, Goya and Quentin Blake. Local artists who have featured include Ann Raby, Grazyna Whittle, Kyoko Takahashi and David Wright.
Learn more about Artsmill on their website:
https://visithebdenbridge.com/listing-item/artsmill-hebden-bridge/
Brooklyn Studios
Established in 2008, Brooklyn Studios is home to a collective of 12 local artists and makers. Their creations include original paintings, ceramics, leather work and mosaics, as well as gifts and objets for the home.
Brooklyn Studios will be taking part in “Hebden Makes Christmas” on the weekend of 3rd, 4th December 2022. This is a great opportunity to meet the artists and makers in person, buy unique Christmas presents and artworks… and have a cheeky glass of mulled cider and a mince pie while you’re at it ! They will be opening their doors from 11am to 5pm both days.
It’s also worth noting that the premises is wheelchair accessible. Pop along and take a look:
Unit 3, Hangingroyd Lane
Hebden Bridge
HX7 7DD
07884 307546
