- Free pop-up art gallery in Ankerside, open 20 – 26 July
- Rare artworks from Tamworth Castle Museum Archives Collection
- Pop-up features celebrated national and local artists
Tamworth Borough Council is delighted to be partnering with St Editha's Church to bring a unique exhibition of artworks from Tamworth Castle Museum Archives Collection to the heart of the town this summer.
The Athelstan Pop-Up Art Gallery, located in Ankerside, will be open from Sunday 20 July to Saturday 26 July, welcoming visitors daily between 9am and 3pm. Entry is free, giving everyone the opportunity to discover a fascinating selection of artworks from the castle's extensive collection.
The week-long exhibition celebrates Tamworth's rich artistic and cultural heritage and showcases just a small part of the remarkable archive cared for by Tamworth Castle Museum. Home to more than 40,000 objects, the Castle Archives Collection tell the story of Tamworth and its people across centuries, preserving everything from archaeology and social history to fine art and decorative objects.
The pop-up exhibition, led by St Editha's Church, aims to make these collections more accessible to residents and visitors, bringing some of Tamworth's hidden treasures beyond the castle walls and into the community.
Visitors will have the rare opportunity to view fine art oil paintings by nationally renowned artist Richard Whitford, alongside works by celebrated local artists. Highlights include two paintings by Charles James Fox, a member of the Royal Academy, London, who has recently been discovered to have had a studio on Ladybank in Tamworth.
The exhibition also features works by the late John Tracey, landscapes by ceramicist Edith Gater, previously unseen oil paintings by Mary Edwards, who is best known for her line drawings of Tamworth, and newly displayed artworks from the private collection of the Weale family, the well-known Tamworth photographers, artists and playwrights who lived and worked in Victoria Road.
Councillor Lewis Smith, portfolio holder for people services, engagement, leisure and heritage at Tamworth Borough Council, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be working in partnership with St Editha's Church to bring this special exhibition to the community.
“Tamworth Castle Museum cares for an extraordinary collection of more than 40,000 objects that tell the story of our borough, and opportunities like this allow us to share some of those remarkable treasures with a wider audience.
“We hope residents and visitors alike will take the chance to discover these beautiful artworks and learn more about the talented artists and fascinating local stories they represent."
Whether you're an art enthusiast, interested in local history or simply looking for something different to enjoy this summer, the Athelstan Pop-Up Art Gallery promises an inspiring experience for all ages.
Event details
- What: Athelstan Pop-Up Art Gallery
- When: Sunday 20 July – Saturday 26 July
- Time: Daily, 9am – 3pm
- Where: Ankerside, Tamworth
- Admission: Free
Residents and visitors are encouraged to drop in throughout the week and explore this unique exhibition celebrating Tamworth's artistic heritage and the stories preserved within Tamworth Castle Museum’s significant collections.