The idea for an open studios event in the UK was first mulled over around a kitchen table in Oxford forty years ago. The first Artweeks was held the following spring – a small local event and the first of its kind in the UK. Since then, millions of visitors have enjoyed the friendly welcome of Oxfordshire artists, and the Oxfordshire Artweeks festival is still the biggest and best in Britain. We’ve picked 12 pieces of art that showcase Britain, near and far, in all its glory.
The river Thames passes through the beautiful market town of Wallingford in this fresh picture by Artweeks newcomer Hannah McCague, exhibiting at Ayres House Studio in Wallingford (venue 246) in May.
Prints are available from £19.99 from her Etsy shop /hannahelizabethetsy
The iconic red postbox by Meg Harris of May I Design is available as a card, £3.50, and an A5 notebooks, £7.50. Visit Meg’s studio by Crawley Mill in Witney during May (venue 370) to see her more of her freehand machine embroidery originals and stitched designs.
This colour-filled copper plate etching was inspired by the striking view from Uffington’s White Horse Hill, the highest point in Oxfordshire. You can see this and similar works during May when Morna Rhys is exhibiting at the Blandford Avenue Marquee (venue 63, Summertown).
Print, £280 mornarhys.co.uk
Seaside Poppies by Alexandra Buckle is a limited edition print, a reduction linocut that celebrates the beauty of the British beach. You can see Alexandra’s work in Bicester in May (venue 327).
We love this striking image of West Pier, Brighton by photographer Stuart Feurtado. You can see Stuart’s work in Deddington in May (venue 453).
Mounted and framed. £85.00, stuart-feurtado-photography.co.uk
‘The British weather!’ by Jane Tomlinson – also exhibiting in Freeland near Witney (venue 356) in May.
Signed prints £40 janetomlinson.com
What could be more British than a teapot? Cream porcelain teapot with celadon by Marieke O’Connor. Marieke is exhibiting in Headington for Oxfordshire Artweeks (venue 103).
£35. Contact via marieke.oconnor@gmail.com
By Long Hanborough sculptor Marie Shepherd, Male Hare – The Chaser in bronze resin epitomises life in the British countryside. You can visit Marie’s sculpture garden in May (venue 349).
Price on application marieshepherdsculpture.co.uk
Artist Paul Minter, exhibiting in Abingdon in May (venue 184) paints very British stately homes. This is Castle Howard, Drawing Room.
£1,700 paulminter.com
Bolton Abbey and stepping stones, Yorkshire by Thomas Shepherd whose work can be seen in Summertown in May (venue 87). Prints are available in three sizes, each limited to a run of 75.
See teshepherdart.com for more information.
Wastwater, Lake District, a vista voted winner of Britain's favourite view by the public in an ITV poll, as photographed by Claire Brooks. You can see more of Claire’s art (venue 87) in May.
Limited edition print (of 10) £300, claireemmabrooks.com
‘Eric’, a Swaledale ram by Petra Richards is drawn in coloured pencils and pan pastels. See more of Petra’s art in Bampton in May (venue 381).
£1,690, petrarichardsartist.com