April opening of Ashbourne’s new Hopton Hall Gallery

The new Hopton Hall Gallery in Ashbourne is set to open its doors on Tuesday, 14^th April 2026 with an inaugural exhibition ‘Brushed Light: Atmospheric Watercolours’, featuring artwork from local artists Roger Allen, Martin Sloman, Sue Quinby, Cheryl Wilbraham, Mark Langley, Sarah Sutton, Tim Rose, Carol Hill and Sarah EA Parker.

Image by Martin Sloman

Owners and custodians of the Hopton Hall Estate, Chris and Andi Harvey, founded the gallery with the aim of building something that connects centuries of craftsmanship with the artists shaping today's landscape – both in the gallery's vision and in the 18th century building on St. John Street, Ashbourne it calls home.

Chris said:

“We love how art is revitalising the Hopton Hall Estate! This July marks four years of our Month of Art, timed perfectly with the opening of our popular walled rose garden. It’s all about bringing the community together through creativity and heritage. Our gallery is a natural extension of that – a relaxed, welcoming spot to enjoy incredible local artists and experience a piece of history in a whole new way."

Ruth Matthews, who has been instrumental in the development of Hopton Hall’s annual Month of Art, has been appointed Gallery Director. Ruth brings over two decades of professional experience and, as well as responsibility for shaping the gallery's curatorial vision and strategic direction, her role involves artist representation, exhibition programming, and the delivery of engaging events and private views.

The Gallery will be open for exhibitions from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm from 14^th April 2026 onwards.   

More information on Hopton Hall Gallery is available at: hoptonhallgallery.co.uk.