An ever-changing space that holds four exhibitions a year, featuring a diverse range of crafts, textiles, painting and photography. Celebrating British arts and crafts, our gallery brings together both established and emerging artists.
Twenty Five & Onwards
Fri 17 Oct 2025 to Sun 1 Feb 2026
Free Entry
As Rheged celebrates 25 years of culture, discover the work of 25 exceptional Cumbrian artists across a range of disciplines. From striking paintings and dynamic sculpture to powerful photography and mixed media, showcasing the talent, creativity, and spirit of Cumbria. Meet the future of Cumbrian art with a special spotlight on the next generation. We’re proud to present four emerging young artists, selected through a regional open call. The public will decide the winner through a People’s Choice Award.
Aria, 2015. Pit Bull Flower Power Series. © Sophie Gamand.
Image © Rafael Mantesso
Friday 13 February – Sunday 14 June 2026
Our love of dogs has been part of our national identity for centuries and affection for our canine companions shows no sign of waning.
This exhibition shows the work of international artists, designers, illustrators and photographers who use dogs as their subject matter and inspiration. The show will look at the influence and impact that dogs have had on these artists’ practise and will also give a brief insight into how dogs have become such an integral part of our lives. Artists featured include Sophie Ryder, William Wegman, David Shrigley, Gerrard Gethings, Rafael Mantesso, Holy Smoke, Martha Todd, Shauna Richardson, Lucy Casson, Mychael Barratt, Bryony Rose Jennings, Michael Gillette, John Bond, Zoe Whiteside, Sally Muir, Ryan K Taylor, Sophie Gamand, Georgina Warne, Gemma Rees, Whatshisname, Lazerian, Margaret Couch Cogswell.
This family friendly exhibition, where well behaved and dry dogs will be allowed in the Gallery for the first time, includes a host of dog themed interactives and competitions. Visitors can draw and display their ‘pooch pawtraits’, share what their dog means to them, display their favourite dog photos, and find out what they’d look like as a dog, using our specially commissioned digital interactive. There will also be a spotlight on our very own Cumbrian Canine Heroes.
A Dog’s Life is a 20-21 Visual Arts Centre Touring Exhibition
£4 per person, Children 12 and under plus dogs go free
Image credits: Winston Churchill with HMS Exeter, by Rosie Fielder & Julie Trice
The Longest Yarn 2
April 2026
Britain at War – A Thread Through History
June 2024 saw the launch of an 80 metres of 3D display of D Day, knitted and crocheted by a community of people from all over the world. 80 knitted displays telling the story of the 80 days of the Battle of Normandy were unveiled in time for its 80th anniversary. It toured the UK and Ireland and attracted 250,000 people and raised significant money for Veterans Charities.
Rheged are delighted to be chosen as the first place in the North of England to host the second UK tour. This time the 80-3D knitted and crocheted displays will focus on Britain at War from 3September 1939 to VE Day on 8 May 1945. In beautiful detail and all to scale, it will focus on all aspects of life from rationing, evacuees and the blitz, to the grim headlines during Britain’s darkest hour and the euphoria of peace. The volunteer crafters who produced the work are from all age groups and walks of life and included those in pressured careers that find crafting therapeutic, busy mums, carers of children, the elderly, ex teachers, lawyers, business owners and even the WI. Everyone has contributed their Yarn, their hours and creativity.
Opening at Southwell Minister on 3 September 25, the exhibition includes 8 life size knitted heroes as well as a Guide Book and merchandise. It will again raise money for the Veteran’s charities
Please check the Rheged website nearer the time for exact details around opening times and admission.