Homes and studios to open in Thornton’s first ever art trail

Over 30 artists will open their studios, homes and galleries in ten indoor and outdoor venues.

Artists will display their artwork at ten indoor and outdoor venues during the Thornton art trail (Image: UGC)

A variety of artists will be exhibiting; from those at the beginning of a career in art, to those who have spent their lives creating and making.

On the day there will be artists’ talks, art demonstrations, open studios, open air painting, and exhibitions at The Apothecary Gallery and South Square Centre. A number of high quality contemporary art works will be on show.

Artists will display their artwork at ten indoor and outdoor venues during the Thornton art trail (Image: UGC)

Many of the artists are local residents including well-known figurative artist Doug Binder. He was an integral part of setting up the arts centre at South Square 40 years ago and is artist in residence at Dean Clough Gallery in Halifax today.

There will be a huge range of art forms on display such as be Birstall Woodturning Club, Bradford School of Art Textiles, plus poetry, mixed media, collage, sculpture, illustration, painting and more.

Several houses and venues in the village will be open to the public showing artwork. Some of these pieces are for sale and many artists will demonstrate how they create.

Artists will display their artwork at ten indoor and outdoor venues during the Thornton art trail (Image: UGC)

Jess Swift will paint outside in Sapgate Gardens on a large canvas; Patrick Whitehead, owner of The Apothecary Gallery, will show his printmaking process; Helen Trevisiol Duff will paint in watercolour at The Apothecary and talk about her practice and inspiration; and Annie Fforde will open her studio and engage with young people who would like to have a go at monotypes.

Maps of the trail are available on the South Square website and copies can be picked up from The Apothecary Gallery on Market Street and South Square Centre on Thornton Road.

The group of artists and founders of the art trail are Bev Morton, Helen Trevisiol Duff, Ian Tothill, Patrick Whitehead, Jess Swift and Nushin Hussein, who is also the Programme and Gallery Manager of South Square Centre.

A art trail spokesperson said: “From a handful of interested locals, the trail grew rapidly as the word spread. It will be a showcase of fine artists in 2024 and the aim is to develop it next year as part of Bradford City of Culture.

“The event will be fun, enjoyable and inclusive. It’s an opportunity for artists to showcase their art to the public, sell their work and let the public discover the beauty of the village where so many creatives live and the Bronte family were born.

The art trail is free and covers a distance of around one mile. The walk can be started at any venue.