Blackthorpe Barn is an art centre based in a huge thatched barn set in the heart of the Suffolk countryside, that during the summer season specialises in classical music of the highest international standards and art and craft exhibitions. A selling exhibition of tribal rugs and occasional visits by theatre companies and opera groups complete the mix. The winter season is dominated by Blackthorpe Barn’s justly famous ‘Christmas at Blackthorpe Barn’ event, running from mid November until Christmas, which combines five weekends of the finest crafts produced by designer makers from the UK with a superb Christmas decoration shop and top quality Christmas trees grown locally on the Rougham Estate. Mulled wine, home made refreshments and locally brewed award winning beers add that final touch.

Summer Music
Two weekends of the finest classical music creating a festival atmosphere with world-class musicians converging on the Barn to play to audiences who have keenly awaited the event all year. The evening is rounded off by a delicious buffet supper eaten often in the company of the musicians themselves. Picnicking before the concerts is becoming increasingly popular and well stocked bar looks after the need of concertgoers throughout the evening. Tickets are available on-line at www.blackthorpebarn.com or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 01284 769505.

Christmas at Blackthorpe Barn
Sixty craft stalls presenting the finest work of designer makers from the UK, many changing each week fill the Barn with superb gift ideas. The designer makers themselves are usually present to discuss their work and to take commissions.

The Christmas Decoration Shop at Blackthorpe Barn is legendary and must be one of the best in the country, offering a vast range of the finest pieces including many Scandinavian and German designs. Locally made wreaths, garlands, holly and mistletoe add to the choices available.

The Rougham Estate’s award winning Christmas trees are grown within a mile of the Barn and are the freshest available anywhere. With a choice of five varieties of cut trees as well as rooted trees, pot grown trees and 30ft giants. The estate is a former Christmas tree Grower of the Year and has several times recently supplied the tree for 10 Downing Street.

Blackthorpe Barn also hold events for Suffolk Open Studios, Tribal Bazaar and Artworks. Further details are found on our website at www.blackthorpebarn.com

Tel: 01359 270238

E:mail events@blackthorpebarn.com

Bury St Edmunds Art Gallery is situated in the historic Market Cross, a fine Grade I listed building restored in the Georgian period, with foundations dating back to 1583. It was renovated by the celebrated architect Robert Adam in the late 18th century, providing a remodelled theatre for the townspeople to enjoy . Indeed, performances of one sort or another have been taking place here ever since, not least when the Market Cross became home to the Art Gallery in 1972 and retaining its high ceilings, Georgian façade and elegant arched windows. It is lit by a pair of magnificent Venetian crystal chandeliers.

This is the place to see great new work and fresh ideas by artists and designers from Britain and abroad, to share ideas, extend your art collection and to take part in a wide range of workshops and social events.

The Gallery is an educational charity which promotes the best contemporary art, craft and design from Britain and abroad and supports artists working in Suffolk. It achieves this through exhibitions, the Craft Shop, projects with artists, publications and educational and marketing events and activities. It curates exhibitions in its own space and organises shows that tour nationally, such as 'Self' and 'arttextiles'.

Established in 2006, Suffolk Showcase is now a regular fixture in our Summer programme and features a wide range of traditional and new media; painting and ceramics sit alongside digital photography and video in an eclectic summary of Suffolk’s current artistic climate. All artists and makers aged over 16, and living or working in Suffolk are invited to submit work for the exhibitions which is selected by a panel of independent judges.

Crafts at Christmas is our annual selling exhibition featuring high quality contemporary craft, mainly by makers from the East of England. The exhibition promotes the value and skill of contemporary craft fostering an appreciation and interest in the work and encouraging new and existing collectors to buy work.

Artists are regularly commissioned to make work for the Gallery and sites in and around Bury St Edmunds enabling a wide audience to see their work.

The Market Cross is also home to the Craft Shop, which is renowned for selling high quality craft and design by some of the region’s and the country's most sought after craftspeople. It is the ideal place to buy special gifts or to treat oneself.

Bury St Edmunds Art Gallery
The Market Cross
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk IP33 1BT
Tel: 01284 762081

http://www.visit-burystedmunds.co.uk/Attractions-In-Bury-St-Edmunds/art-gallery.htm

Bury St. Edmunds

Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk is an historic market town in Suffolk and the surrounding countryside is full of history. This lovely medieval market town has a warm and friendly atmosphere throughout the year. Bury St Edmunds is convenient for Cambridge and only two hours from London.