29th July 2025

Discover the Work of Acclaimed British Printmaker Brenda Hartill in Torquay This Summer

In Guest Blog Posts, Arts & Crafts, Events

An unmissable exhibition for art lovers on the English Riviera

This summer, Torquay’s vibrant cultural scene welcomes a landmark exhibition celebrating one of Britain’s most distinctive contemporary printmakers. From now until 16 August 2025, visitors to the English Riviera can enjoy a rare opportunity to see the richly textured, light-filled works of Brenda Hartill RE in a major retrospective at Artizan Gallery.

Brenda Hartill is a name well known to collectors and printmaking enthusiasts, with a career spanning over five decades. Her work, known for its embossed surfaces, abstract compositions, and luminous use of colour and metallic leaf, captures the essence of natural forms - rugged landscapes, plant structures, erosion patterns, and the subtle shifts of light across terrain.

Born in New Zealand and now based in East Sussex, Hartill trained at London’s Central School of Art and Design before establishing herself as a leading figure in British printmaking. Her techniques blend traditional print methods such as etching and collagraph with experimental approaches that incorporate painting, sculpture, and handmade paper. The results are visually arresting and deeply tactile works that feel both ancient and modern, intimate and monumental.

What makes this exhibition particularly special is its setting. Hosted at Artizan Gallery’s dedicated printmaking and sculpture venue in the heart of Torquay, the show forms part of the gallery’s Summer Sculpture Season - a wider programme celebrating the best in contemporary 3D and material-led art. Hartill’s retrospective has already attracted visiting artists and long-standing collectors, with many making the journey to Devon specifically to experience this extraordinary body of work.

Whether you’re a seasoned gallery-goer or a curious visitor looking to add something unique to your trip, this exhibition offers a contemplative and inspiring stop on your journey through South Devon. The gallery’s central location makes it an easy addition to a day exploring Torquay’s shops, cafés, and seafront, and the welcoming team are always happy to introduce newcomers to the work on display.

Artizan Gallery is open Thursday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, with additional days available by appointment. Entry to the exhibition is free, and many of the works are available for purchase.

For more information, visit www.artizangallery.co.uk or follow @artizangallery on social media.