Workshops in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire are pulling together to host a town-wide, window-displayed art exhibition where walkers can view local wares in a safe, socially distanced environment.

The exhibition will include work from painters, potters, sculptors, photographers and potters, and will have a weekly rotation of products for locals to enjoy at a distance.

The initiative is in aid of local businesses forced to forfeit profits due to lockdown restrictions, as well as bringing walkers a little bit of joy.

The initiative is the idea of local artist from the Corner Gallery, Tanya Achilleos Lock:

“We want to challenge towns around the UK to take on this initiative to support walkers and give us all something interesting to look at on our daily ‘lockdown walk’, and at the same time supporting their local businesses.

“This idea is not just for shop’s but artists at home too! If you have a window that can be seen from the road, then fill it with art so walkers by can see. Add the sign, upload your photo and join in!”

“To enter, all you have to do is visit the https://www.facebook.com/Lockdown-Window-Exhibition-Challenge-101773265249892

and print out our sign to show you’re taking part. Then for every window change, snap a pic and post it to the page so it can be shared with family and friends”.

Some of the art on display at Bradford-on-Avon will be from private collections, including winning works from the BBC Wildlife Artist awards and a series of artworks commissioned by the Royal Mail. Other paintings have previously seen in top galleries like Royal West of England Academy, Mall London etc.

Other artists that are keen to help so far include well know sculptor Patricia Volk, Jacqueline Mitton and artist Jacqueline Byrne. Galleries include SerenArts, Stone Paper Scissors, Lucy McGrath Photography, Made in Bradford-on-Avon and Corner Gallery, and lots of interested from others who may join in today.

“We think this is a great opportunity to cheer up those gloomy winter lockdown walks and at the same time help struggling businesses and workshops all over the UK. Some of the items are for sale – so it’s the next step in window shopping, just phone us and we can deliver to local houses.”

Made in Bradford on Avon thinks that the Lockdown Window Exhibition is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our members and their work. In addition, it’s a great way to give walkers a purpose to move around the town and perhaps discover new places that they might not have visited before.