Skip to the content

Scarborough set fair for Art In The Gardens

Art in the Gardens 2018

The annual event, now in its 16th year, takes place on 7 and 8 September set in the beautiful canvas of the Botanical Gardens, from 10.30am to 5.30pm.

Featuring more than 300 exhibiting artists it is arguably the largest outdoor art exhibition in the north of England with artists, craft makers and visitors coming from across the UK.

Exhibits and stalls include fine art and crafts, ceramics, jewellery, sculpture, paintings, portraiture, glass art, wire art, papercut art, original print works, plus the annual Open Art Exhibition, much-loved Radio Sheffield presenter Paulette Edwards’ Portraits of Distinction competition, a Home and Gardens area, Sheffield Young Artists display, Children’s Art Activities, and a fantastic selection of food and refreshment stalls.

Thousands of pieces of art and craft will be on show and for sale and art lovers will have the chance to meet artists in person and buy original pieces and prints direct from their creators.

Joe Scarborough, who is currently enjoying a retrospective at the city’s Weston Park museum, will exhibit as a Premier Artist bringing his own works and a collection from the late George Cunningham who famously painted the streets of Sheffield capturing images of the city’s past from his childhood.

Exhibitors come from across the country, showcasing a wide range of artistic flair and talent, and this year include Sheffield-born but now based in Manchester fine landscape artist Helen Parsley, A Heart of Glass who represent more than 30 renowned and emerging contemporary art glass creators, John Paul Cooke contemporary and figurative artist specialising in acrylic, oil and charcoal, and The Viewing Room featuring rare and limited pieces from iconic pop artist Peter Blake who famously co-created the sleeve for the Beatles' album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band plus artwork for Band Aid and Live Aid.

Art in the Gardens 2018 - image by Ian Spooner

Councillor Mary Lea, Cabinet Member for Culture Parks and Leisure, said: “Art in the Gardens gives a perfect representation of Sheffield – rich in art and culture, and boasting the most beautiful outdoor spaces, in fact our Botanical Gardens are a work of art in themselves.

“Joe Scarborough opened the very first Art in the Gardens in 2004 and we are thrilled to welcome him back this year – his work is amongst that of Sheffield’s most respected artists. As well as Joe’s work, we are privileged to showcase pieces from the late George Cunningham – the Sheffield artist whose work has captured the city’s history and scenes of days gone by. 

“We have a fantastic range of creativity in the gardens this year, from seasoned professionals at the peak of their talents, through to amateurs and beginner artists selling work for the very first time. I hope we’ll see lots of people join us to discover and celebrate these wonderful collections.”

2019 has attracted new exhibitors including local stonemason Stoneface Creative, ceramics from Jack Laverick, embroiderer Stitching for the Soul, glass maker Wonderland Glass, watercolours artist Sasha Niamat, sculptor Stuart Marsh, and many more.

Art in the Gardens 2018 - image by Ian Spooner

Art in the Gardens 2019 is sponsored by Graysons Solicitors – their stall near the Premier Artists section will feature the work of Sheffield illustrator Alan Pennington, and host a children’s art competition.

The event will go ahead whatever the weather, with plenty of indoor exhibits, plus tents and marques to escape for shade or cover from the rain.

Tickets are only available on the door, priced at £6 per adult, and free entry for accompanied under 16’s.

More information is available at www.artinthegardens.com