The Secret Severn Art Trail attracted record visitors over the 11-day programme. The trail showcased over 50 local artists with a central exhibition in the newly-refurbished Footprint Gallery in Jackfield, as well as 13 open studios in other venues such as Maws Craft Centre, Ironbridge Fine Arts, and pop-up studios in Craven Dunnill, Jackfield.
Footprint Gallery, housing the central exhibition, has recently undergone a number of improvements to create an arts and community hub for Jackfield and the surrounding area. A five-year lease has been signed for the space, which is owned by Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust. This secures the gallery’s future and paves the way for an exciting programme of events, including a ‘Festive Footprint’ fair on 1st – 3rd December.
This year’s trail featured a new collaboration with the National Trust at Benthall Hall near Broseley, as the Story of Art collection was opened up to visitors. The organisers are looking forward to expanding their plans at this historic venue next year. Visitors from all over the region and beyond visited the exhibition and studios during the trail and many supported the artists by purchasing artwork.
Secret Severn Art Trail Chair, Rod Sheppard says: “The Secret Severn Art Trail was an undoubted success with great visitor numbers and sales for the featured artists, whose enthusiasm was fantastic. The Jackfield Tile Museum and café were also busy throughout the period of the trail, which demonstrates the uplift which is achievable with events such as this. We are very grateful for the support of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust and Telford and Wrekin Council.”
CAPTION: Rod Sheppard, Jan Park and Selina Graham.
