Fabulous art deserves a fabulous setting. Established and emerging artists have found that in Ashbourne’s new Hopton Hall Gallery. Rebecca Erskine meets Gallery Director, Ruth Matthews, to find out more.
With a programme of exhibitions that change every six weeks plus varied workshops, Hopton Hall Gallery is a truly vibrant addition to the Ashbourne high street.
More than 2,500 visitors have crossed the threshold of this characterful Georgian building since it opened its doors in mid-April.
A Grade-II listed property dating back to 1770 may seem an unlikely pairing for a 21st century gallery, but the modesty of its exposed brickwork and well-worn staircases only serves to shine a light on the bright and engaging contemporary artwork.
It is the perfect setting to foster an enduring connection between people and place, made possible by Gallery Director Ruth Matthews’s impressive kitbag of experience.
“I have a particular interest in architectural storytelling and the ways in which people connect with place,” explains Ruth. “That has certainly shaped how I see and create art. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience a lot of life – starting out in manufacturing as a fashion designer, relocating to Australia where I worked in municipal art galleries, returning to the UK to lead on project delivery, evaluation, and audience engagement for institutions including the National Trust, and achieving a First Class Honours degree in International Business and a Master’s degree with Distinction in Public History and Heritage. I’m now pouring what I’ve learnt from each into making the gallery a success.”
It is this deep understanding of art and heritage that makes Ruth so instinctive in selecting the most talented artists for the gallery. The calendar of exhibitions, planned until the end of May 2027 and beyond, is thoughtfully considered and designed to appeal to a wide range of audiences.
“The way I tell stories through my own art is through paint but there are so many other ways artists express their appreciation of place, and the gallery will showcase a variety of media,” says Ruth. “In September, texture takes centre stage with Steph Jansen’s Felt Work, Stitching Ashbourne’s Surface, Stitch and Story and various artists’ textile work. In November, the spotlight is on Layered Landscape – Paintings of the Peak which celebrates the close observation of a land shaped by weather and time. Christmas too will really come to life with weekends filled by various potters and jewellery makers.”
The gallery is an integral part of the Hopton Hall Estate and the commitment of owners and custodians, Chris and Andi Harvey to champion local artists. The Snowdrops exhibition, due to take place at the gallery in February 2027, will feature the work of artists who took up residence in the café at the hall during this year’s Snowdrop Walk. Similarly, an exhibition featuring the Month of Art winner 2025, Lesley Linley, was held on the ground floor of the gallery in June before moving to the newly-created art space – The Stables at Hopton Hall – to be enjoyed by visitors to this year’s Month of Art. Many of the artists associated with the gallery have signed up to enter this year’s competition, for the chance of winning first prize of £1,000, determined by a public vote in the final weekend of July.
Ruth’s long-held relationships with established artists means there are strong pieces to fill the gallery many times over! Equally as important, however, is supporting emerging talent. August sees a solo exhibition for Amadora, a self-taught painter who lives and works in Sheffield and who specialises in portraiture and urban paintings. The exhibition follows Amadora’s selection as the 2025 winner of the Peak District Artisans (PDA) Young Emerging Artist Award which encourages and supports a young emerging artist or maker aged 18–30, situated in or around the Peak District and at the start of their creative journey.
As Ruth describes: “Amadora’s solo exhibition will be a great complement to our ‘Portrait & Human Form’ exhibition taking place 5th – 26th August which showcases regional talent. Her work is so vibrant and youthful and sure to turn heads as people pass by our window.”
Amadora will be presented with her Young Emerging Art Award by fellow Peak District Artisan members at an open evening at the gallery on Friday, 7th August. The event also presents the opportunity for Hopton Hall to give thanks to those who were involved in creating this space.
The setting and its collections of artwork may be fabulous, but the gallery is not simply a place to view and purchase art; it aims to actively encourage anyone with an interest in art to come along and participate in a variety of workshops.
In September, a workshop on ‘negative space landscape painting’, will be led by Denise Cliffen, the runner-up of the Month of Art 2025. Her session will explore the use of acrylics on black paper to explore the art of negative painting. In other words, instead of painting the trees, the participants will paint the space around them.
In October, a series of Saturday sessions is planned as part of a month-long partnership with The Big Draw Festival (the world’s largest celebration of drawing). It kicks off on the 3rd, with a The Big Drawing Table session led by Liz Wellby, who was the second prize in the Month of Art 2025. Participants will be invited to sit at a big drawing table, roll up their sleeves and contribute to one big, collaborative drawing – even if only for a few minutes! The giant drawing will be on display in the gallery throughout October.
The gallery is fast becoming an integral part of the local arts community. Participating in the Spring Art Fair – part of a countrywide opening of artist studios and shows – was the ideal event to promote the gallery’s arrival. The two-day Artbourne Art Trail quickly followed in May when the gallery hosted ceramic, glass and jewellery artists.
“Art can so often be seen as elitist, but my own experience is that artists are a friendly, good-humoured bunch,” adds Ruth. “The atmosphere we’re creating in the gallery reflects that and I’m thrilled there has been so much goodwill from the artist and business communities and local residents.
“I’m committed to bringing in fresh approaches to art that encourage people to see the world differently and I’m pleased to have the support of an army of creatives who are as passionate about art as I am. For anyone who’s curious about what’s happening, do pop in and see us! You’ll be guaranteed a warm welcome.”
• Hopton Hall Gallery’s upcoming schedule of exhibitions and events can be viewed here: hoptonhallgallery.co.uk | hoptonhallgallery.co.uk/art-workshops–events/