Galleries to Garden Sheds

Go Behind the Scenes with Devon’s Artists
Devon Open Studios – 12 to 20 September 2026

Danni Bradford. Photo: Jim Wileman

Artists all over Devon will be throwing open their studio doors and inviting people to look behind the scenes.

Over 350 artists will be taking part in this year’s Devon Open Studios which takes place from 12 to 20 September, with a range of free exhibitions, workshops and opportunities to see artists at work. Visitors can discover the creativity that thrives across Devon, and local people will have the chance to celebrate the range of talent in the area.

The art and craft on display will include drawing, painting, sculpture, tapestry, ceramics, jewellery and glasswork. Artists range from emerging talent to experienced professionals, all keen to share their inspiration and creativity with visitors.

Artists include:

Danni Bradford, Venue N10, Appledore
From her garden studio overlooking the North Devon landscape, Danni Bradford draws inspiration for her distinctive artwork. She specialises in verre-églomisé – the art of gilding glass. Every piece is carefully painted by hand on the reverse side of toughened glass, with intricate details added using inks, mica powders and lustres before finishing with metal leaf gilding.

Today, very few artists are practising verre-églomisé, and Heritage Crafts has classified it as a Critically Endangered craft on its Red List.

Danni’s work is inspired by wildlife, often highlighting endangered animals and using her own endangered craft to tell the stories of endangered species.

Bobby Magee, Venue N13, Croyde
When Bobby Magee moved to Croyde, she walked on the beach and was astonished by the sunset. The next day, she ordered a set of oil paints – she just had to paint that view! After that, she began selling paintings from the driveway outside her cottage and things took off. 

Bobby has a fascination with the sea, which she believes comes from her Swedish ancestry and Viking roots. She walks her dogs along the coast path each day, and has a real connection with the coastline. She takes the brighter, magical colours from the palette she observes, and paints scenes inspired by the North Devon coast and landscape.

Alasdair Gordon, Venue PS26, Buckfastleigh
Alasdair Gordon has created a camera obscura – a dark space where an image from the outside world is projected through a tiny opening. Visitors are invited to step inside, sit in complete darkness, and watch as the image gradually emerges.

Working on the edge of Dartmoor, Alasdair investigates light, form and perception through pinhole photography, cyanotypes, black-and-white 35mm film and other analogue processes.

Through historic photographic techniques, he encourages a slower appreciation of the relationship between natural phenomena and physical materials.

Preston Street Artists, Venue Venue EX1, Exeter
Preston Street Artists is a collective of six artists with an eclectic mix of portraiture, photography, abstract art and pop art. They include:

Laura Henning is an expressionist artist, passionate about the power of colour. She creates bold, intuitive works which are layered with energy, movement and meaning. Her work blends colour, character, and a touch of nostalgia.

Claire Le Day is a contemporary figurative and portrait artist who picked up a paintbrush after a twenty year break while studying medicine and working as a GP. “Nothing makes me lose myself more than painting;” she says “it’s the only thing that completely obliterates time, hunger, and all other senses.”

Angela Rimmer is an abstract painter who is inspired by the mystery, energy and beauty of the natural world. She uses acrylic, ink, metal leaf – and even coffee – to create bold, textured paintings that shimmer with light and invite reflection. 

Katy Jackson, Venue EX9, Exeter
Katy Jackson’s prints explore the landscape – its wonder, complexity but also fragility and transient nature. She is interested in fleeting atmospheric conditions that transform an ordinary scene into something memorable. Light is the starting point for her monotone etchings and she has grown increasingly interested in depicting birds within the landscape, shifting light and the quiet beauty of the natural world.

Rose Elliot Venue TQ3, Galmpton
Rose Elliott is an artist and designer who specialises in painting onto fabric. She moved to Devon following a successful career in London creating hand painted garments for prestigious retailers, celebrity clients, and international customers. Rose took on a dilapidated boat shed and converted it into a studio, gallery and shop. Her light open space has double doors onto a balcony that looks out onto the river Dart, giving her a spectacular view and inspiring place to work.

Rose’s textiles include hand painted silk scarves and tops. Her simple designs suit women of any age and can be personalised for each customer. 

During Devon Open Studios, Rose will be sharing her venue with Allison McSparron-Edwards.

Allison McSparron-Edwards Venue TQ3, Galmpton
Allison McSparron-Edwards is a portrait artist who works in oils, creating paintings which capture the essence of her subjects. Each work reveals a moment, offering a glimpse into the everyday lives of local people – and sometimes animals.

Allison’s portraits celebrate interesting characters in their local environment. Her subjects include a barista enjoying a short break during a busy shift, Ryan the deckchair attendant sitting in a chair, waiting for customers, and The Storyteller, a well-known character from Dawlish. 

Allison had a career as a Chartered Accountant and Business Psychologist before she decided to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time artist. Her experience in psychology is reflected in her desire to capture the essence of the people she meets.

Devon Open Studios President Kate Farmery said:
“We’re looking forward to showing local people and visitors the huge range of creative talent Devon has to offer.

“Devon Open Studios offers a fantastic opportunity to meet artists working in their studios in some of Devon’s beautiful locations. Visitors will be able to see exhibitions, watch demonstrations, and take part in a range of activities. Of course, there’s also the opportunity to buy, and it’s much more satisfying to purchase a piece of art when you’ve met the artist, seen them working and heard about their inspiration.”

Devon Open Studios runs from 12 to 20 September. Information about all the venues is available online and in the printed guide which is available from community venues, libraries and tourist information offices.