Art in the Marshe

Last night after work John and I took a drive over to Saltmarshe Hall near Howden. Kate and Roland who own the property popped into the gallery earlier this year and we had a very interesting conversation about the possibility of holding an art event at the hall.

Set in 17 acres of Parkland this magnificent Regency building was designed by Pritchett and Watson who were respected Yorkshire architects of the day. They were also responsible for the design of Rise Hall, also in East Yorkshire and owned by Sarah Beanie of Channel 4’s programme ‘Selling Houses’. In fact the two properties recommend each other when functions overlap so that guests can take advantage of a building with a similar design but catering for varying capacities.



Kate and Roland have quite a story behind them having moved from a terraced house in Clapham to this totally new way of life. Kate is the first to admit that it has been a very steep learning curve but the lifestyle change to this wonderful rural setting can only be a good thing for their three young children.

Since buying the property last year the couple have renovated a significant part of the main house although one entire wing, the former servants quarters, are still as they were in the 1930s having being left unused since that time.



In the early days of the project Kate brought in a colour expert from paint experts Farrow & Ball who was able to advise them on the best colours to show off the beauty in the hidden gem of a building.



Now beautifully painted throughout the venue is perfect for weddings and conferences and even though this is their first season the pair have an impressive 21 bookings so far!



A regular programme of events at Saltmarshe Hall has brought people from far and wide into the building allowing its new sense of identity to be advertised widely via word of mouth and Kate and Rolands idea of an art evening stems from existing interest in art and music in the area.

John and I have agreed to take a display of artwork to show on the evening of Friday, 25 April and the event will be open to anybody who is interested to look around the hall and visit the exhibition.

For more details please contact Diane at The Acorn Gallery on 01759 307652.

For enquiries about hiring Saltmarshe Hall for weddings, parties and other occasions please contact Kate Whyte on 01430 434920.

Happy New Year!

Let me start the first blog of 2013 by wishing you all a Happy New Year and sending a big THANK YOU for your continued support. 2012 was a year of discovery for the Acorn, looking at what we do and how we do it and what you like and whether we tick your boxes... thankyou for your votes of confidence :)

Last year we introduced even more independant artists including Sarah Louise Ewing, Louise Rawlings and Kerry Darlington. We held the UK's first ever one man exhibition by Andrei Protsouk who is widely regarded as a genius in the making!

'Olympic Tango' by Andrei Protsouk

A celebration of 2012

We also showcased work by Louise Rawlings who works with household emulsion! Her beautiful pieces are perfect for kitchens and landings and all rooms Farrow and Ball!

'Alfie on the Beach' by Louise Rawlings

Another of our new names is artist Sarah Louise Ewing whose jewel colours and gold leaf artistry has caught many an eye! Each new colour has found new appeal and you seem to like buying them in pairs!

'New Beginnings' by Sarah Louise Ewing

Kerry Darlington joined us here at The Acorn in August and her stunning original work has found new homes all across England! Kerry has just launched an amazing series of limited edition prints, of breathtaking quality, all of which have been very well received! 'Ophelia' is our favourite - we have sold three in a month!

'Ophelia' by Kerry Darlington

One of the highlights of our year was being asked to be the EXCLUSIVE stockist of limited edition prints by the fabulous Toni Hargreaves. Toni is renowned for her cow paintings, usually working on commissions of individual animals. Now, Toni has responded to requests for prints by producing three beautiful pieces available on boxed canvas or on paper.

'Broad Maud' by Toni Hargreaves

We are also pleased to be working with the very talented Paul Oz, explosive portrait artist of household celebrities and favourite characters. Pauls work spans many subjects but closely follows the world of sport and especially Formula 1. His amazing work hangs on many famous walls and his recent portrait of Bradley Wiggins was also bought by the man himself!

'Bradley Wiggins' by Paul Oz 

(Commissions Available)

Diane and I are currently planning the year ahead and hope to build on 2012 and bring you even more of what you love :) If there is anything you would love to see here at The Acorn then comment below or email us... We'd love to hear from you :)