H’s Mad Hats in her Studio at Heart Gallery

Continuing with the “I Do” Wedding and Love themed exhibition running from Valentine’s Day, one of Heart Gallery’s resident artists, Heather Wilson makes beautiful unique hats for all occasions. If you need something to match an outfit, just bring it in, and discuss your requirements with her.

Duck Egg Blue Fascinator

The range is based around mini top hats (very popular with the present Burlesque trend) and smaller, dainty Fascinators and feathery hairbands. She will also embellish handbags to match. Heather makes hats for the Mothers of the Bride and Groom, Bridesmaids, and of course, The Bride. She has also made hats for visits to the Races and that prestigious Summer Garden Party in London!

Italy - Black and White Wedding

Gothic Wedding - Bride

In addition, and ideal for a perfect wedding present, Heather also creates stunning personalised Name Pictures – finely detailed paintings – based around the Bride and Groom’s names. Copying from photographs provided, she can include the family group, cake, venue - in fact, anything, as long as there is a photo to copy.

Jen and Lee - Commissioned Name Picture

Heather also makes lovely framed montages of actual items from the Wedding that are usually hidden away in boxes – such as Order of Service, Menu, photos of the venue, place name labels, confetti, or anything that will remind you of your Special Day.

Commissioned Spanish Wedding Montage

Do visit Heather in her studio at Heart Gallery, The Arts Centre, 4a Market Street, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire. 01422 845845

Please do phone her first, as she may be out visiting clients or a supplier.

More details of her work can be seen on her website, http://hwilsonart.com.

‘I DO’ Wedding Exhibition at Heart Gallery – Valentines’ Day

I DO Wedding Exhibition - Sarah Mason, local photographer

This quick little blog is to let you know that Heart Gallery is holding a Wedding Exhibition on Valentines’ Day, 12pm – 5pm. So if you are celebrating the union of love in 2010 then you need to come down to Hebden Bridge to see what Heart Gallery can offer you and your party for your special day.

Meet Sarah Mason, a local photographer with a sensitive and individual approach to your wedding or civil partnership and the ability to capture those special moments. Sarah will be at Heart Gallery to chat with you about your requirements  and your plans to give you the photo’s you want. Sarah’s style is fresh, contemporary and natural and she likes to create a rapport with her client(s) and develop ideas prior to your BIG day. Sarah believes that the photographer shouldn’t take over your SPECIAL day so her approach is friendly yet discreet!

'I DO' Wedding Exhibition - Sarah creates your perfect cake

Sarah Jenkins’  fabulous wedding cakes are stunning; individually designed to meet your requirements  with style and attention to detail. For fashion conscious cakes for your BIG day then Sarah is the person you need to speak with. Sarah will be at Heart Gallery 14th February and inspiration is the key … from your invitation, your favourite flower, piece of jewellery, special place or perhaps a pattern from a vintage piece of china, Sarah can translate this into a scrumptious cake for your SPECIAL day using the best fresh ingredients including organic free-range eggs and Fair Trade chocolate.

'I DO' Wedding Exhibition - Amanda Cox bridal jewellery

Heart Gallery is already a stockist of Amanda’s amazing silver and gold jewellery so you have probably seen her stunning lily collection in Heart Gallery previously. On February 14th Amanda will be at Heart Gallery to talk to you about your bridal jewellery ideas and can also help you choose those perfect Bridesmaid’s gifts. Amanda’s silver lily collection is stunning and perfect for your SPECIAL day but she also has a fabulous rose collection too which can be chosen in polished silver and oxidised silver.

If you prefer more precious metals then we can also quote for any of Amanda’s pieces in yellow or white gold.

'I DO' Wedding Exhibition - White freshwater pearls with small oxidised silver rose necklace

As well as showcasing stunning bridal jewellery from top UK based designer/makers you can also bring your partner along too to look at a wide range of cufflinks from these makers. When it comes to gifts for your bridal party, personalise. This shows that you have taken time with the gift and it makes a great keepsake. You can do this in a number of ways. Bespoke is one. Have a jeweller make jewellery to your specification for your bridesmaids or cufflinks for the groomsmen. There will be many handcrafted cufflinks on display in Heart Gallery on Sunday 14th February so not only can the groom choose a pair to compliment his Wedding suit but so can the Best Man and Ushers knowing that they are choosing the Best of British Craft.

'I DO' Wedding Exhibition - Marisa Arna silver and 18ct gold cufflinks

'I DO' Wedding Exhibition - Nick Hubbard silver/9ct gold cufflinks

You can also see fabulous silk ties from textile artist Clare Webster who can talk you through the different silk swatches and match the silk to the bridesmaid’s dresses or a colour scheme of your choice. Clare also makes amazingly sculptural bags and scarves which are just perfect for the mother of the bride or groom and the choice of silk colours is endless so you can match to the outfit or the shoes and stand out from the crowd. So, if you are looking for an outfit for your daughter or son’s wedding, our advice would be to have something designed for you which is not typical mother of the bride and could be worn afterwards. Its always good to know if your accessories have been designed specifically for you as there’s no chance of meeting someone else in the same thing and Clare can make sure this happens.

'I DO' Wedding Exhibition - Clare Webster's silk bags are structural and amazing.

On Valentines Day, Heart Gallery will focus on adornment, especially rings, jewellery, headwear, textiles and bags but is also bringing you interesting gift ideas from a selection of the best designers in the UK – forget crystal, crockery and cutlery and choose something unique and exciting instead. Treat your wedding gift list as a Heart’s Desire List – think about updating any existing homeware and include any gifts you’ve always wanted. Ensure you have enough gifts for your guests to choose from. It’s better to have too much on your Heart’s Desire List than too little. Also remember to include a wide selection of prices as friends and family may choose to club together to purchase a large item. When choosing Heart Gallery for your Heart’s Desire List, you can be certain we have a good team, polite and helpful to your requests and we have a wide choice available, with something to suit all budgets.  It’s always a good idea to include gift tokens so that if your guests can’t find anything they love on your Heart’s Desire List they can get our fabulous pewter Heart Gift Tokens and then you are able to pick what you like in your own time. If you honeymoon in New York then you could make sure that Clare Caulfield is high on your Heart’s Desire List to remind you of your time together: Heart Gallery also sells Clare’s prints of other famous cities and we always have a choice of about 6 originals either framed or just mounted.

'I DO' Wedding Show - Clare Caulfield limited edition print Times Square New York

Or you could chose something stylish for your home from our London boys, Dan Black and Martin Blum. These guys have numerous design awards under their belts and Heart Gallery is this area’s stockist of  their amazing products.

'I DO' Wedding Exhibition - Loop candelabra £18

'I DO' Wedding Exhibition - Fruit loop £28

At Heart Gallery, you’ll find every gift exceeds your expectations, from practical and innovative products to the luxurious and indulgent. You can choose from quality, well-established design-led brands and endlessly stylish exclusive lines from some of the UK’s top designer/makers working in ceramics, glass, textiles, wood and wall art. With a price range to match anyone’s budget you will not be disappointed choosing Heart Gallery as the destination for your wedding guests.

'I DO' Wedding Exhibition - Natalie Vardey Pearl necklace

So folks, I hope we shall see you on Valentines’ Day and if you know anyone who may be joining with another to celebrate the union of love this year then pass this info blog on to them. Heart Gallery is a destination 365 days of the year but on February 14th, 2010, Heart Gallery will be THE place to be if you are getting married, thinking of getting married or taking your commitment  to your partner to the next level and planning your civil ceremony. Resident at Heart Gallery on Valentines’ Day will be Sarah Mason a local wedding photographer, Sarah Jenkins confectioner, Clare Webster textile artist, Heather Wilson hat maker and Amanda Cox, Bex Bardon and other UK based jewellery designer/makers to discuss your requirements and of course you will also have the expertise of Heart Gallery staff at your disposal in an extremely relaxed environment.

See you soon, Alison xXx

Snow in Booth for the start of 2010

Well folks, firstly may I wish you all a very joyous 2010 and I hope it is a great year for you.

I haven’t seen this much snow in Booth since moving here and my daughter Becki, who is 12, hasn’t seen such snow falls ever!

A snow covered Luddenden

School closures meant we had a full family day out enjoying the snow. We started with a walk which quickly turned into a snowball fight

the start of the snowball fight in the road outside the house - no cars, great!

Dad came off worse though - go Becki!

which turned into a roll around the lane and then later dog borrowed from a neighbour and messed about in the field next to our garden!

Becki and 'the boys' in the field having so much fun

All the extra snow did mean that I had to walk to work for a couple of days which is quite a long hike but it was just beautiful and it meant I started a New Years’ resolution earlier than I thought … taking more exercise on my days off (and there aren’t many of those I can tell you!).

The walk into Hebden Bridge once I got onto the main road

'Just Chillin' - an aptly named boat sitting on the canal in Heben Bridge

Anyway, it has been a great start to the year and the snow has provided fun for the family and some great photographs too, some which will probably be used on our Booth 2011 calendar! Happy 2010 to you all, stay happy and healthy and may all your dreams for this year come true xXx

Makepiece A/W 09 arrives at Heart Gallery

Carapace dress £258

Epiphany | Autumn Winter 2009

stunning shapes, redolent with romance, unexpected knits, rich colours and winter softness ethically made in the UK from British wool.

Roses grow out of winter dresses, while dramatic ruching creates warmth and stylish silhouettes. Filmy layers of open knits add glamour with chunky scarves for substance.

Our drained down dusk palette is warm and deep, perfect colours for winter nights.

Frieldhurst Edgeway

Makepiece is not just a designer label – it’s part of a landscape, which has for hundreds of years been shaped by the wool industry, from the dry-stone walled pastures to the packhorse tracks across the moors which took wool from farm to market.

They take natural yarns, raised sustainably, spin them as locally as possible, knit in our community, using the minimum chemical processes possible to produce a finished product that can be treasured for years. It’s part of a story which knits a community with a landscape.

Carapace Gauntlets £47

Like you, Makepiece want beautiful clothes and…

HUMAN RIGHTS…  they know they can trust their farmers and the mills where we live to produce yarn to a very high standard – and to look after the people involved in production.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY… they’ve chosen to use wool and mohair from British farms and their own sheep because they know how the land is farmed, and fibres such as hemp, bamboo and tencel because they can easily be grown sustainably.

FEWER CHEMICALS…  each collection contains undyed and naturally dyed clothes along with some azo-free dye colourways dyed to european environmental controls.

A SMALL CARBON FOOTPRINT… they want their clothes to travel very few road miles before they’re worn so all our spinning, dyeing and manufacturing is done in the UK.

NO LANDFILL… they design their clothes to last – but when they’ve finally been worn to shreds, they can be composted.

Saltway Shawl £36

‘If you think of what you’re wearing and you find it’s been round the world before you put it on for the first time, was manufactured out of cotton dripping with pesticides or sewn by people in shoddy conditions, it suddenly doesn’t feel half as glamourous.

Style is about expressing who we are. Most of us don’t think of ourselves as cheap and shoddy but if we’re not careful that’s what our clothes say about us.’ Nicola Sherlock, Makepiece designer.

Carapace Scarf £33

Makepiece was founded in 2004 by Nicola Sherlock and Beate Kubitz to produce beautiful clothing that is sustainable, low-impact and eco-friendly.

Briar Rose Shrug £120

Heart Gallery has a large selection of Makepiece A/W 09 now in stock so we look forward to seeing you down in Hebden Bridge soon xXx

Rose Dress

 

Foxglove Dress and Carapace Ruff

Riding The Storm

 

ROZIE KEOGH 'riding the storm'

Riding The Storm, Rozie’s latest wonderful Mergirl sculpture has arrived at Heart Gallery and looks stunning hanging from our beamed ceiling with her sequins catching the sunlight and dancing around the room. There’s not really much I can say about her as you really have to visit to see her ‘in the flesh’ so to speak. Rozie’s wire mergirls are always popular at Heart Gallery and don’t seem to hang around for long, and I’m not surprised.

Rozie originally trained as an illustrator at Harrow School of Art (Now the University of Westminster). In 1990 she returned to college at Hereford College of Art and Design where she attended the Small Studio Practice course. Since leaving the course she has made and sold work nationally, producing large-scale pieces as well as jewellery. Although now working three-dimensionally, she continues to illustrate life and stories with her work.

Heart Gallery also showcases her amazing jewellery, miniature knitted works of art, once a year:

Rozie Keogh necklace

Rozie’s ‘Dancing Mergirl’ sculpture danced her way to a beautiful home in Midgley last year but here’s another look at what you missed:

ROZIE KEOGH 'Dancing Mergirl' sculpture

 

 

 

 

 

Late Night Shopping in Hebden Bridge

all button choker

Dream Big

Frankly my Dear

Thursday 26 November is the start of our Late Night Shopping events and Chris Chittell (Eric Pollard, Emmerdale) will be switching on the lights in Hebden Bridge whilst snow falls on the town! There will also be our first ever Lantern Parade through Hebden Bridge  so please come down and support your local independent shop keepers. Forget the concrete jungles where every shop sells the same and hot foot it down to Hebden Bridge for individuality and unique present and treat ideas.

Late Night Shopping will continue every Thursday with the last one being Thursday 17 December so plenty of time for you to find something unusual without having to travel far.

late night shopping

diner phone black back in stock at Heart Gallery

trim phone green

 

Don’t miss the perfect opportunity to get out and about in this beautiful town, find the perfect gifts for loved ones (and maybe even a treat for yourself) then unwind in one of our many coffee shops or bars.

 

The Milk Bar in Hebden Bridge - milkshake bar, ice cream parlour and coffee shop

 

 

Inn On The Bridge

 

 

See you on the 26th xXx

Sparkly Christmas Jewellery at Heart Gallery

Ribbon Cuff

Ribbon rings

Fern bangle

beauty and the beast

Fuchsia quartz, onyx and pearl earrings

8 button detail necklace

All the sparkly Christmas jewellery is now displayed at Heart Gallery and causing a stir as some makers haven’t been showcased here before so this is a first for Hebden Bridge and for Heart Gallery. There are a few images here to whet your appetite but to see our ranges in all their glory you really so need to get yourself to Hebden Bridge.

Our opening hours are now 7 days a week and Thursday evenings from 26th November until 17th December will be Late Night Shopping for us and for Hebden Bridge with lots going on.

See you all soon xXx

Christmas at Heart Gallery

All I Want ... Christmas at Heart Gallery

Well folks, it is nearly that time of year again so here is the invitation to the launch of Heart Gallery’s fourth Christmas selling exhibition which promises to be the best yet. After a challenging year for everyone it is encouraging to know that you have all supported Heart Gallery and I know you will continue to do so as we continue to offer such a diverse and exciting range of contemporary jewellery and craft all under one roof. We look forward to seeing you at the launch, Saturday 7th November. We will also be staying open until 8pm on Thursday evenings from Thursday 26th November up to, and including, Thursday 17th December.

The other great news is that from the beginning of November Heart Gallery will be open 7 days a week, Monday – Friday 10.30 – 5, Saturday 1.30 – 5.30 and Sunday 12 – 4pm. Now that is a bonus!

Heart Gallery is passionate about all things beautiful and sells the very best of inspirational work including fresh, innovative and exciting contemporary jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles, wood, furniture, accessories and stationery.

Heart Gallery ensures that there is something for everyone’s tastes and budgets
and is constantly evolving and reinventing. Heart Gallery prides itself on showcasing classic pieces for today’s modern living alongside the more quirky and challenging accent pieces and brings unusual and unique sumptuous gifts and design-led
interior and lifestyle products together in one beautiful and inviting space offering a haven from the predictability of the High Street.

Heart Gallery is a gem nestled in the heart of Hebden Bridge beneath rolling hills and breathtaking landscapes.

Heart Gallery occupies a former Baptist Chapel and has been sympathetically restored by its owner, Alison Bartram, to offer its visitors a peaceful and serene
space in which to browse.

Heart Gallery is rapidly building an enviable reputation for top quality contemporary jewellery, distinctive and individual in design and form. With quirky displays in fabulous reproduction French cabinets, which are also for sale, customers marvel at
the choice and enjoy the decadent surroundings whilst they browse.

Heart Gallery also incorporates workshop and retail spaces for local designers offering a unique approach for visitors.

One piece of beautiful jewellery and two beautiful ladies tie the knot!

Friday 11th September and the sun was certainly shining on these two lovely ladies for their wedding day as Mel decided to make an honest woman of Sue!


Sue is a regular exhibitor at Heart Gallery with her delicate boxes hand-built from porcelain clay slabs. Sue’s pieces are fired twice in her old re-conditioned front-loading kiln. She has tried various clay body and glaze combinations, but has settled on a French porcelain called Limoges, and a transparent glaze which is silky to the touch, and enhances the cleanness of the lines and form. All Sue’s work is food-safe and waterproof.

Sue Candy

Mel contributes enormously to The Hebden Bridge Handmade Parade which is a community-generated parade led by local artists which celebrates the creativity, variety and the uniqueness of Hebden Bridge and its surrounding areas. As an area fiercely proud of its local character, and apparently internationally known for its funkiness, the Hebden Bridge parade is not your average small town parade so Mel should be proud of its achievements the last two years.

handmade parade 2009

Sue and Mel came down to see me a few days before their civil ceremony and reception at The Devonshire Arms, Bolton Abbey to find something suitable for Mel to wear around her neck that would remain a classic piece worn time and time again. They both knew the type of thing they wanted and as soon as they saw Hannah Souter’s range from my ACJ exhibition, Cambridge they knew that they had found ‘the one’.


Hannah’s work is strongly influenced by her love of organic forms, in particular seed pods and buds. Comprising of hand press formed and individually fabricated units, her jewellery combines subtle surface textures and contrasting finishes to create unique pieces of fine jewellery. Heart Gallery was proud that Hannah wanted to showcase her work in Hebden Bridge with the Cambridge branch of The Association of Contemporary Jewellery.

H Souter -Textured large dome ring

Hannah Souter - Textured dome pendants

Sue and Mel had just a fabulous day, everything was perfect, and this close up of them proves that … and also shows how perfect Hannah’s pendant was around Mel’s neck.

Sue and Mel

Heart Gallery sends heartfelt love and best wishes to Sue and Mel for a happy and joyous life together. xXx

Naive Textile Art

Becks on her stand at Covent Garden

On a recent trip down to London I couldn’t resist taking this shot of Becks on her stand at Covent Garden! Becks is one half of mother and daughter team, Naive, and as you can see here super talented! Becks and Susan have created a Textile Art collection of original jewellery boxes and jewellery pin cushions. Each Textile Art piece is individually made from wool, fabric and felt and is a joy to own.

ice-creams and cupcakes - jewellery pin cushions

chocolate jewellery box

Coming soon to Heart Gallery is a collection of their hat/scarf pins which will be perfect for Christmas presents, take a sneaky peak …

hat/scarf pins in lots of juicy colours

See you in Heart Gallery soon x