18th October 2023

Artist in Residence

A bearded man in a brilliantly striped shirt and a blue baseball cap gives a cheery thumbs up next to a smiling woman with bobbed hair holding a colourful artists pallette. They stand in front of a wall covering in watercolour images of nature, landscape and animals including Paxton Ted.

The back of furry teddy's bear's head is in the foreground. The bear is apparently watching three people - child of about 8, mother and male artist playing with paints and brushes at a small table. Our new Artist-in-Residence programme is off to a fantastic start. All through the October half term our new studio in the Hayloft Gallery was open to anyone who dropped in to dabble in paint and crayon. Artist James Gaffney of JagArt82 was leading fun sessions for all comers, families included, setting free artistic talent many never knew they had and giving lots of visiting families a really special day out.

James’ artist partner Ian Cowan will also be leading painting classes for all abilities on Saturdays using the beautiful Georgian house at Paxton and its parkland and gardens as backdrop for art projects. All sessions will be detailed on our events calendar so check the dates.

James has been running art programmes in Berwick-upon-Tweed to great acclaim for the past few years. He has a real rapport with children and we are delighted that he is bringing his talents to Paxton House. He is particular friend of Paxton Ted who is featuring in his sessions where you can get to know Paxton Ted better through all sorts of activities from colouring-in to original artwork. Meanwhile, James and Paxton Ted have been out and about exploring the autumn colours in Paxton’s woodland gardens. Drop-in sessions on Saturdays will be run in two hour slots and aimed at families. All materials will be provided and there is no additional charge once you have paid your entrance in the Gift Shop.

A watercolour painting of a teddy bear dressed as a magician takes shape on a piece of white paper set against a black background. The artist's hands, pencil and orange jersey sleeves are visible as they draw and hold down the edge of the paper. A small tin of watercolour paints sits towards the top of the frame. James believes that everyone should experience art personally and that Paxton House is a place which produces a powerful emotional connection. Put the two together and you have the perfect recipe for artistic inspiration with an element of wellbeing. JagArt82 have been filling the walls of Paxton House’s passages and tearoom with original artwork over the past few weeks. The whole place is looking much livelier and since these artworks are all for sale, you have the option of taking home a true original. James is full of other ideas to enrich the programme, from sessions in period costume to a secret project around the grounds, so we are looking forward to a thoroughly creative autumn and winter.

A watercolour painting of a yellow teddy bear hanging by one paw from a washing line with green, orange and yellow pegs. He has black button eyes and nose. A watercolour in soft greys and greens of two people walking on the beach at Bamburgh Castle. The foreground is rocky although the walkers are on a yellow strip of sand with the dark walls of the castle rising like a cliff in the background. A large pink toadstool surrounded by five other purplish toadstools stands in spiky greenish brown grass. The toadstools are colourful and spotty with shaggy rings on their stems. The whole is rendered in watercolour.