Community event brings Northumberland scenes and studio practice to Whalton
On a crisp autumn weekend, villagers and visitors from across Morpeth will be able to browse a broad display of local creativity as the Morpeth Art Group stages its Autumn Fair at Whalton Village Hall. The event brings together more than 22 artists, offering original paintings, prints, cards and gift items alongside the chance to see a work being made from scratch.
The fair is deliberately welcoming: tables and walls at the hall will be filled with varied work ranging from watercolours and oils to acrylics and mixed media. Organisers say the programme is intended both to celebrate the area’s visual culture — coastal views, wildlife and the Northumberland landscape feature prominently — and to act as a social hub for the creative community.
“One of the lovely things about our art group is the sheer variety of talent and creativity among our members. Everyone brings something different, and our Autumn Fair is a fantastic opportunity to bring all that work together and share it with the wider community,”
The quote above comes from Gordon Hudson, chair of Morpeth Art Group, who also highlighted how the live demonstrations add an extra dimension. Several members will paint during the day so visitors can watch techniques unfold and ask about materials or inspiration.
What visitors can expect
- Original artworks for sale across a range of prices
- Live painting demonstrations by group members
- Prints, cards and small gift items suitable for shoppers and Christmas gift hunters
- Refreshments, including coffee and a slice of cake
Hudson emphasised that the fair is not solely commercial. “We’re particularly looking forward to having some of our artists painting on the day. It’s fascinating to see how different people approach their work, and we hope visitors will enjoy watching them in action and asking a few questions!” he said. The atmosphere is intended to be informal: conversation, critique and a cup of tea are as much part of the experience as the art itself.
Range of styles and media on show
Work on display will span traditional and contemporary approaches. Many pieces draw on local subject matter, while others move towards portraits and abstraction. Artists will offer work to suit a range of budgets, enabling first-time buyers and seasoned collectors alike to find something of interest.
| Type of work | Examples mentioned |
|---|---|
| Landscape | Bamburgh Castle and Northumberland coastal scenes |
| Wildlife | Birds and local fauna |
| Portraits & abstracts | Figurative portraits and colourful abstracts |
Two named works associated with members give a flavour of the fair: a coastal piece referencing Bamburgh Castle by Julia Chandler and a playful seabird study titled "Cheeky Puffin" by Judith Herdman. Both underline the strong local identity visible in much of the work.
Beyond sales, the fair helps sustain the Morpeth Art Group’s wider programme. Proceeds and donations contribute to the group’s ability to run workshops and other activities that keep an active creative hub in the area.
For residents of Morpeth and surrounding villages, the event is staged as a friendly, low-pressure way to meet artists, learn about different approaches and pick up an original piece or a small gift. Whether you’re browsing or buying, organisers say the fair is designed to be an enjoyable communal afternoon where a conversation about technique can be followed by a slice of cake.
The Autumn Fair is a reminder that, beyond the town centre, villages such as Whalton host cultural activity that matters to the wider Morpeth community — supporting local makers, encouraging new collectors and keeping the region’s creative life visible and accessible.
