New spring and summer arts events at Barnstaple Library take ‘Pride of Place’

A vibrant, fun and community-focussed series of spring and summer arts events has been unveiled at Barnstaple Library.

The new ‘Pride of Place’ season aims to encourage local people to find out more about the area they live in and to discover what it has to offer.

This is now the third time Libraries Unlimited – which runs the libraries in Devon and Torbay – has hosted the Pride of Place themed season at locations across the county.

In Barnstaple it will offer the North Devon community a wide ranges of events and activities from tango lessons to nature journalling and creating origami blossoms from old books, as well as photography exhibitions and live theatre performances.

The sessions begin in April and run right through to July. They have been made possible thanks to a £720,369 grant from Arts Council England to boost the programme of music, films, workshops, and high-quality community events at local libraries between 2023 and 2026.  

It begins on Saturday (April 19) with the Hidden Figures of the South West Exhibition, a portrait collection highlighting people in underappreciated professions in the South West. Brought together by photographer Caitlin Pharoah of Hummingbird's Photography, these professions include wheelwrights, conservationists, traditional artisans, artists and many others.

On April 26, a free workshop from 10am-1pm offers the chance to Make Blossom for the Reading Tree with Origami Artist Caroline Preston – join a fun family drop-in session and help decorate the library reading tree with beautiful origami blossoms for spring. Suitable for adults and children of all ages.

Above: Make blossom for the reading tree with a free origami workshop at Barnstaple Library on April 26.

On April 29 Last Dance Saloon from 2-3.45pm brings dance, music and storytelling together to create a show about long-distance lovers and tango sessions bridging the gap. The price of £10 includes a tango class at 11am with Tango en el Pueblo.

On May 10, Wet Plate Collodian Portraits by Stephen Raff offers the opportunity to step into the enchanting world of 19th century photography with a personalised portrait session. Using the wet plate collodion process to create timeless, one-of-a-kind glass plate portraits that blend history, artistry, and individuality. Price £60.

Above: Have you own 19th century style glass plate portrait following this paid for session at Barnstaple Library with photographer Stephen Raff on May 10.

On May 16 join a Book Bouquet Masterclass with origami Artist Caroline Preston from 10am to 1pm. Learn the calming art of paper folding with the ‘kusudama’ origami technique, creating intricate flowers through repeated folds. Design beautiful blooms using a mix of book pages and patterned origami paper, with the option to ink and spray for a unique touch.

On May 17 from 10am to 1pm there is a free workshop from The Gardeners Co CIC to answer any of your gardening questions, with pots, seeds, labels and compost to help you get growing.

Also on May 17 from 2-3.45pm, discover the life of Elizabeth Askew, a female Victorian photographer from South Molton, including the processes and equipment she would have used and the events and people she would have photographed.

On May 30 from 10.30am to 12.30pm, start your nature journaling journey with local artist, Genevieve Edwards. Hone your observational skills and explore the natural world through painting, sketching and writing.

On May 31 catch The Mushroom Show with Scratchworks Theatre at 2pm. Augustine Fogwoode might be the world’s MOST enthusiastic mushroom enthusiast! She is on a quest to make sure everyone knows about the brilliance of fungi: their amazing abilities and scientific superpowers. Join her and her puppet friend Goldie to discover how fungi grow, connect and help the natural world, including us humans.

You can find out more or book events via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk and search for ‘Barnstaple Library’. Alternatively drop into the library in Tuly Street or call on 01271 318780.