The exhibition ran for several weeks in early October 2025 at The Old Bell Gallery in the picturesque and historic market town of Montgomery mid-Wales. The gallery space is not huge, but it made up for this with its delightful atmosphere and charm. It suited my work very well too, as I mostly exhibited smaller paintings and sculptures.
The town has a steady influx of visitors, I had people from as far away as Texas, USA, as well as a good mix of locals and people from all parts of the UK. The work was mostly very well received and I had some excellent feedback and conversations. People were surprised at how different the work was compared to what has been on display at the gallery. I had some hilarious reactions, as some of my pieces can be rather lewd. I had one elderly fella walk in with his wife, he came clopping into the gallery in his brown brogues, red moleskin trousers, tweed jacket and deer stalker, hefting his bought and paid for paunch. He took a quick scan of the room, then span around on his heels and retorted loudly, "This is not my kind of art!" then quickly left the building, his poor wife trailing behind. You cannot please everybody and I certainly do not make work to please.
I would like to thank everyone who came to visit me at the gallery and for the many wonderful conversations, as well as for supporting my practice.
History and Location
Montgomery (Trefaldwyn) is a historic market town in the former county of Montgomeryshire and is close to the border of Shropshire, England. Montgomery dates back to the Norman period and the name of the town originates from the Norman aristocrat Roger de Montgomery. In 1227 the town was granted a royal charter, which allowed for the building of walls, running of markets and fairs. There's a regular market every Thursday held under the charter and it dates back to the 13th century and is still active to this day. The architectural character of the town reflects its long history: there are Georgian and Victorian buildings, some from earlier periods such as timber-framed houses, and the medieval street layout remains evident.
The town has a steady influx of visitors, I had people from as far away as Texas, USA, as well as a good mix of locals and people from all parts of the UK. The work was mostly very well received and I had some excellent feedback and conversations. People were surprised at how different the work was compared to what has been on display at the gallery. I had some hilarious reactions, as some of my pieces can be rather lewd. I had one elderly fella walk in with his wife, he came clopping into the gallery in his brown brogues, red moleskin trousers, tweed jacket and deer stalker, hefting his bought and paid for paunch. He took a quick scan of the room, then span around on his heels and retorted loudly, "This is not my kind of art!" then quickly left the building, his poor wife trailing behind. You cannot please everybody and I certainly do not make work to please.
I would like to thank everyone who came to visit me at the gallery and for the many wonderful conversations, as well as for supporting my practice.
The Old Bell Gallery 1
The Old Bell Gallery 2
The Old Bell Gallery 3
The Old Bell Gallery 4
The Old Bell Gallery 5 / Skabbawakka (Sculpture)
The Old Bell Gallery 6 / Oolst (Sculpture)
The Old Bell Gallery 7
The Old Bell Gallery 8
The Old Bell Gallery 9 / Merchandise Table
The Old Bell Gallery 10 / Merchandise Table
The Old Bell Gallery 11
The Old Bell Gallery 12 / Block Series: Fuck
The Old Bell Gallery 13
The Old Bell Gallery 14 / Family ♥
History and Location
Montgomery (Trefaldwyn) is a historic market town in the former county of Montgomeryshire and is close to the border of Shropshire, England. Montgomery dates back to the Norman period and the name of the town originates from the Norman aristocrat Roger de Montgomery. In 1227 the town was granted a royal charter, which allowed for the building of walls, running of markets and fairs. There's a regular market every Thursday held under the charter and it dates back to the 13th century and is still active to this day. The architectural character of the town reflects its long history: there are Georgian and Victorian buildings, some from earlier periods such as timber-framed houses, and the medieval street layout remains evident.
