A Tiny Town Filled with Art
Meet artists inspired by their rugged surroundings
Tucked away in the Arrow Valley, below the imposing Hergest Ridge, Kington is a tiny town with huge character. While Kington is home to a thriving artistic community all year round, it truly comes alive during Herefordshire Art Week.
There are eight fabulous artists’ studios and collective spaces to tour. Meet a jeweller and a blacksmith plus potters and painters.
Start with a Coffee
Once you’ve parked up, grab a cup of locally roasted coffee at Border Bean, perhaps with one of their scrumptious teacakes on the side. They’ve also got a selection of gluten-free and vegan options, so it’s a great spot if you’ve got alternative dietary needs.
If you’re coming from the east, along the A44, pop into the Cattle Shed at Penrhos Court on the outskirts of town. As well as homemade cakes and tasty light bites, you can grab a wonderful, cooked breakfast made with the finest local ingredients Herefordshire has to offer.
From Silverwork to the Silver Screen
Look in on Angela Soulier’s studio on Duke Street to discover unique silverwork that draws inspiration from light, colour, texture and movement, as she weaves silver and found objects together. After learning her craft in Taxco, a Mexican silver mining town, Angela designed costume pieces for theatre, film and opera, and you can really see a dramatic edge to her work.
Check out the group show over at the fabulous Old Picture House for a little glamour. With Art Deco flourishes and nods to Hollywood’s golden age, it’s a venue with serious silver screen atmosphere. Here, you’ll see the work of five local artists and makers – there’s everything from pastels and prints to acrylics, watercolour and sculpture, with styles ranging from traditional to the abstract.
Call in at RidgeBank, a new contemporary art space in the heart of town. They are showing work by a selection of artists, all focused on the nearby Hogback Hills which are ancient volcanoes. Time it right and you'll be there for one of the artist's talks.
Over at Clare Conrad’s studio, learn more about how Kington’s gorgeous, rugged surroundings inspire art. Her beautiful pottery pieces have a distinct look, influenced by the natural weathering of landscapes and buildings.
Rooted in Nature
Just outside town, there's further studios to explore.
Wander into the garden to discover Peter Horrocks' studio where he makes works using earth pigments and other natural media, taking inspiration from landscape fragments.
If you’re on a pottery roll, head to James Burnett-Stuart’s studio at Lower Way Farm in Lower Hergest. Also drawing inspiration from nature, James takes a blended approach to his craft, forming his pieces with moulds and by hand, as well as on the wheel.
Also in the area is Kit Garnett’s blacksmithing studio, ideal for those who are after something a bit more ‘heavy metal’. With a particular interest in Art Nouveau, surrealism and distortion, Kit forges steel into all sorts of wonderful pieces of art. His forge is the place to discover everything from edgy chandeliers and wine bottle holders, right up to ornate gates and sculptures.
Travel on a couple of miles to uncover the Yew Tree Collective. They are showcasing a beautiful selection of nature-inspired work by a handful of local creators. As well as pressed flower lampshades and salt-glazed pottery, you’ll see extraordinary life-sized steel sculptures.
Take a Break
Fancy something sweet? Make a quick pitstop at the Bees Knees Cookshop on Church Street to try some tasty homemade ice cream. If pub grub and a local ale or cider is more to your fancy, pop into the Swan Hotel or the Royal Oak.
Or perhaps a picnic is just the thing. Call in at Number 25 Delicatessen to pick up a superb selection cheeses, charcuterie and chocolate, for a feast in the sun. They sell a whole range of local ciders, beers and gins as well, which also make great gifts for friends and family.
For Itchy Feet
Once you’ve had your fill of art, blow off the cobwebs with one of the many incredible hiking options on your doorstep. If you’re feeling energetic, you can’t beat the short but rewarding walk up to Hergest Ridge. Up here, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring views across the Anglo-Welsh border and beyond.
If you’re staying in Kington for a while, why not plan a few longer rambles as well? You’ll be spoilt for choice, with Offa’s Dyke Path and the Mortimer Trail both running nearby.
Stay Awhile
Check into the Threshing Barns at Penrhos Court (home to the Cattle Shed), for a stay packed with architectural (and rock’n’roll) history. These barns date as far back as the 13th Century, with additions and alterations up to the 17th Century. Here, you’ll be kipping where Freddie Mercury and Queen spent three weeks rehearsing Bohemian Rhapsody, and where Monty Python’s Terry Jones also set up a micro-brewery.
As well as the fabulous Cattle Shed restaurant, there’s a wonderfully quirky pub onsite, aptly named the Pythons Arms in Jones’s honour. They’ve won awards for their fantastic grub.
Other options include Burton Hotel which has a great pool and spa, the welcoming Church House B&B or self-catering stays at White Heron Estate.
Unwind after a full day of art and adventure, before heading back and doing it all again tomorrow!
