Exhibition: Spotlight On 4 - Modern and Contemporary Art from the Collection of Chippenham Museum
2025-02-24 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-03-03 10:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | Chippenham Museum, 9-10 Market Pl, Chippenham, SN15 3HF, United Kingdom
Open Monday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm, until 8 March.
This exhibition is the fourth in Chippenham Museum’s Spotlight series dedicated to its growing Modern and Contemporary Art Collection.
The project began in 2019 with the desire to celebrate the rich artistic history of this part of North Wiltshire. As a permanent collection, it acts as a source of inspiration, education and enjoyment for all.
At the heart of the Modern and Contemporary Art Collection are works that acknowledge the legacy of the Bath Academy of Art in Corsham, a pioneering residential art school that counted some of the biggest names in modern and contemporary art amongst its teachers and students.
North Wiltshire’s creativity proudly extends beyond the Academy, and the collection records and celebrates the many contemporary artists who continue to live and work in this area today.
The exhibition featured work by the following artists:
Kay Le Seelleur Ara, Kenneth Armitage, Guy Bigland, Alma Boyes, Susie Brooks, John Chilver, Dominic Clare, Andrew Cross, William Crozier, Anna Currey, Simone Dawood, Stephen Ellis, Alex Faulkner, Selina Fischer, Astrid Furnival, John Furnival, Katherine Gili, Patrick Haines, Keith Harrison, Verity James, Richard Kennedy, David King, Julia Manning, Michael Stubbs, Marianne Fox-Ockinga, Ione Parkin, Tim Parry-Williams, Michael Pennie, Jackie Pope, Terry Pope, Paul Rudall, James Scott, Robert Scott, William Scott, Jack Shirreff, Alice Sielle, Hugh Hamshaw Thomas, Julia Vezza, Helen Wilks, and Alistair Young.
Further details about the artworks can also be found in the accompanying catalogue available in the museum shop.

Beginners Art workshops
2025-02-25 09:30 - 23:30, 2025-03-04 09:30 - 23:30, 2025-03-11 09:30 - 23:30, 2025-03-18 09:30 - 23:30, 2025-03-25 09:30 - 23:30, 2025-04-01 09:30 - 23:30, 2025-04-22 09:30 - 23:30, 2025-04-29 09:30 - 23:30 and 1 more date | The Cause Music and Arts Centre, 42 The Causeway, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 3DD, United Kingdom
Uniquely designed and delivered 6 x 6 week courses for beginners.
Taught by local artist and designer Charlie who has over 25 years experience teaching art.
Tuesdays at 9.30am – 11.30am
Term 1 – Still life (drawing) – Sept 17th – October 22nd
Term 2 – Objects in interiors (drawing, painting) – November 5th – December 10th
Term 3 – Portrait (painting)- January 7th – Feb 11th
Term 4 – Interiors (drawing)- Feb 26th – April 2nd
Term 5 – Landscape (painting) – April 23rd – June 4th
Term 6 – Still life revisited (collage, mixed media) – June 11th – July 16th
In both beginners and improvers, the sessions we will follow the classic method for learning to draw and paint. It is easy to learn to draw by copying the example of a tutor leading the group, but this tends to produce a ‘house style’ where everyone ends up drawing in the same way. Your drawing style is as unique to you as your handwriting (if school hasn’t obliterated it) – here you will learn to enhance your own drawing style, not replace it with ours.
(Please note: all Improvers courses begin with drawing, and include a talk about relevant art movements and practitioners)
Price includes all materials and coffee and biscuits (donations taken to help with refreshments)
Thank you – we look forward to meeting you soon

Improvers Art workshops
2025-02-25 12:30 - 14:30, 2025-03-04 12:30 - 14:30, 2025-03-11 12:30 - 14:30, 2025-03-18 12:30 - 14:30, 2025-03-25 12:30 - 14:30, 2025-04-01 12:30 - 14:30, 2025-04-15 12:30 - 14:30, 2025-04-22 12:30 - 14:30 and 1 more date | The Cause Music and Arts Centre, 42 The Causeway, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 3DD, United Kingdom
‘A really friendly place to learn from experienced people’
Uniquely designed and delivered 6 x 6 week courses for beginners. Taught by local artist and designer Charlie who has over 25 years experience teaching art.
Tuesdays at 12.30 – 2.30pm
Term 1 – Still life (drawing) – Sept 17th – October 22nd
Term 2 – Objects in interiors (drawing, painting)- November 5th – December 10th
Term 3 – Portrait (painting)- January 7th – Feb 11th
Term 4 – Interiors (drawing)- Feb 26th – April 2nd
Term 5 – Landscape (painting) – April 23rd – June 4th
Term 6 – Still life revisited (collage, mixed media) – June 11th – July 16th
In both beginners and improvers, the sessions we will follow the classic method for learning to draw and paint. It is easy to learn to draw by copying the example of a tutor leading the group, but this tends to produce a ‘house style’ where everyone ends up drawing in the same way. Your drawing style is as unique to you as your handwriting (if school hasn’t obliterated it) – here you will learn to enhance your own drawing style, not replace it with ours.
Please note: all courses begin with drawing, and include a talk about relevant art movements and practitioners.
Price includes all materials and coffee and biscuits (donations taken to help with refreshments)
Thank you – we look forward to meeting you soon

Painting Smiles Together - Children's Draw & Paint Class in Chippenham
2025-02-27 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-03-13 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-03-27 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-04-10 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-04-24 18:00 - 19:00 | Sheldon Methodist Church, Audley Road, SN14 0DU
Unleash your child’s creativity with this exciting Kids Drawing and Painting Class! Join me every other Thursday evening from 6 to 7 PM during the school term. In each class, the kids choose the subject for the session, and together we’ll draw and paint, allowing each child to create their own unique piece of art.
What to Expect:
Guided Creativity: I will demonstrate how to draw and paint the chosen subject, guiding the kids step-by-step. However, I encourage them to ‘make it their own’ and explore their creativity, rather than just copying my example
Skill Development: Through repetition and practice, students will gain confidence and learn new skills in every session
Artwork to Take Home: Each child will create their own masterpiece to take home after every class
All Materials Provided: There’s no need to bring anything except clothes that can get a bit messy. I’ll supply all the art materials!
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Exhibition in August: As we approach the next summer holidays (2025), we will prepare for a proper art exhibition where the children can display their art work in a professional manner, to exhibit to the general public as well as friends and family.
Class Details:

Location: Sheldon Road Church, Audley Road, Chippenham
Cost: £30 per month
Schedule: Every other Thursday, 6 – 7 PM​
Approx age 7-11 years old.

Why Join Me?

Creative Fun: These classes are both fun and challenging, designed to inspire creativity and artistic expression.
Safe Environment: I am fully DBS-checked, so you can leave your kids with me for the hour with peace of mind.
Affordable Pricing: Only £30 per month. The first payment is taken on 1 September and then monthly on a rolling basis. Each payment covers all classes that fall within that month.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity for your child to develop their artistic skills in a fun, supportive environment. Spaces are limited, so sign up today and secure your spot
Term Dates up to end of July 2025:
30 January
13 February
27 Feb
13 March
27 March
24 April
8 May
22 May
5 June
19 June
3 July
17 July

Paul Oakley Art Demonstration
2025-03-09 14:30 - 16:30 | Rotary Hall, 18B Station Hill, Chippenham, SN15 1EG, United Kingdom
Paul, a local artist from Pewsey Studios will be painting a local landscape in acrylic whilst explaining techniques, talking about the materials used and sharing tips.

Collection Conversations: Ann Christopher
2025-03-15 14:00 - 15:30 | Chippenham Museum, 9-10 Market Pl, Chippenham, SN15 3HF, United Kingdom
In our next Collection Conversation, we will be joined by Ann Christopher, the youngest female sculptor to be elected to the Royal Academy in 1980. Ann work is non-figurative, whether as works on paper or sculptures cast bronze, stainless steel and silver. Her inspiration draws from a broad range of visual sources: from modern architecture to rugged coastlines, plant structures and ancient artefacts.
Free, booking essential
For sold out events, email heritage@chippenham.gov.uk to join a waiting list.
Image: Changing Spaces 1-3, 2018/19, Ann Christopher, carborundum, hand finished with graphite and pen (images courtesy of Steve Russell Studios)

Collection Conversations: Felicity Aylieff
2025-03-22 14:00 - 15:30 | Chippenham Museum, 9-10 Market Pl, Chippenham, SN15 3HF, United Kingdom
In our next Collection Conversation, we will be joined by Felicity Aylieff.
Educated at the Bath Academy of Art, Corsham, Felicity Aylieff went on to teach ceramics at Bath Spa University. She is currently Professor of Ceramics and Glass at the Royal College of Art. An artist residency in Jingdezhen, China, led to a lasting collaborative relationship with porcelain factories in city, where she also now has a studio. Her series of monumental pots, the largest of which stand over four metres high, demonstrate her passion for material and process and historically informed decorative technique
Ink Blue can be seen on display in our Materials & Making art gallery.
Free, booking essential
For sold out events, email heritage@chippenham.gov.uk to join a waiting list.

Drink and Draw @31
2025-03-28 19:00 - 23:00 | 31.Co.work, 31.Co.work, Chippenham, SN15 3HP
Calling all artists, illustrators and doodlers of Chippenham!
A social evening packed full of creativity. Come along and get involved with a few drawing games, communal doodle, work on your sketchbook and collaborate with other artists. All art supplies provided, but feel free to bring your own.
A friendly safe space to meet other creatives and dedicate a couple of hours to having fun and getting creative.
No pressure, No judgement, all levels and abilities welcome. Come and be inspired. Bring your favourite drink, meet other local artists and start a new creative community with us.
Monthly meet up. Last weekend of every month.
For ages 18+ BYO drinks.

Rag & Bone Arts CIC Public Art Workshop with Charlie Graham-May
2025-04-16 11:30 - 15:30 | Neeld Community & Arts Centre, The Neeld, High Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 3ER, United Kingdom
Come along and work with: Artist, set and prop maker Charlie Graham-May
We will be making a series of small pieces to decorate steps and kerbs across town. Come and create public art which will help to bring the beauty and joy of art to the pavements of Chippenham.
Group 2 (14-18’s or improvers) 11.30 – 1pm
Pizza 1 – 1.30pm
Group 1 (11 – 13 or beginners) : 1.30 pm – 3pm
Youth Cafe 3 – 4.30pm (Feel free to perform if you wish)
Charlie is a multi talented visual artist. He has worked as an illustrator, set designer and has exhibited his portraits and landscapes in London, Bath and Chippenham. He is part of Public Art Chippenham, a community group bringing more colour to Chippenham’s streets.
