The annual Heseltine Open Exhibition is currently taking place at the award-winning Heseltine art gallery in Middleton Cheney until Sunday 14 December.
Lord Heseltine played a supporting role in establishing the gallery.
The gallery provides a public-facing space for artists (local, regional, national) to display and sell their work.
Local artists based in North Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and neighbouring counties are currently displaying their work.
This year’s show has seen entries from more than 60 adult artists and a record 17 young artists.
The display covers a wide range of paintings and drawings, several styles of printing, pottery, glasswork, wood, textiles, photography and mixed media: a vibrant display of local talent. Most of the exhibits are for sale, benefiting the artists and the gallery.
Artists, guests and Friends of the Heseltine Gallery attended a launch event on Sunday 23 November.
Awards were presented to artists, selected by John Childs, Chief Art Examiner for OCR and founder of the gallery, and Tom Christy, his successor as Head of Art and Design at Chenderit School.
Photo credit: Geoff Carverhill
Photo credit: Geoff Carverhill
Photo credit: Geoff Carverhill
John Childs said “The gallery was created to be a lasting legacy for the local community as well as an integral part of the school. Exhibitions by regional artists, in particular the annual ‘Open’ provide a good opportunity to showcase the variety and depth of talent amongst our wider creative community. There are some real gems this year.”
Two ceramicists were highly commended – first-time exhibitor Julia Taylor and regular Sue Clayton, who runs a pottery evening class at Chenderit School – along with Jill Tisbury for her unusual enamelled & lamp-worked glass pieces and Linda Johns for her ethereal sculptures woven with wire.
Artists also selected for commendation are Caroline Swan, Heather Bailey and Deborah Thompson (acrylic paintings), Virginia Bennett (oil painting), Katy Dynes (gouache) and young photographer Tess Porter (17). Two young people were awarded this year’s prize in memory of Middleton Cheney artist Brian Goodey – Lottie Clarke (14) and Annika Dowden (12).
The gallery’s programme and operation are run by a voluntary committee, working with the Head of Art and Design at Chenderit School, where the gallery is located. All exhibitions are open to the public and free for visitors.
The Heseltine Open Exhibition 2025 is open daily except Saturdays, 10am to 4pm at the Heseltine Gallery, Archery Rd, Middleton Cheney OX17 2QR. Admission is free.
Meet the Artists events on Sundays will provide opportunities for artists to show or explain how they produce their art and talk to visitors about their inspiration and processes.
Visit the Heseltine Gallery website www.theheseltinegallery.org.uk or social media for information and images.
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