The Heseltine Gallery
Bringing stunning art to the heart of the countryside
The Heseltine Gallery was created to enable people living or working in, or visiting the south Northamptonshire/Banbury area, to enjoy and buy high quality art and crafts.
Avrel Bateman, Tutu II, oil on canvas
The artworks are shown in our purpose-built art gallery at Chenderit School in Middleton Cheney. It was opened in September 2003 thanks to public and private funds raised by the school’s then Head of Art, John Childs, and Lord Heseltine. Until 2010, the gallery was funded through the government’s Specialist Schools Programme, which designated Chenderit School as a Visual Arts College.
Today, our gallery is managed by the Friends of the Heseltine Gallery and our current activities are funded by a New Homes Bonus Community Grant from South Northamptonshire Council, as well as regular donations from Friends, art sales and business sponsorship.
Former head of art and gallery founder, John Childs
Photographer, Claire Watson with Lord Heseltine
Many of our Friends go on to play a larger part in the gallery by becoming members of the committee and taking responsibility for programming, organising exhibitions and events and fundraising to support the gallery. We also have a variety of volunteers and sponsors to help keep everything running smoothly. We all come together to provide a thriving, high quality, sustainable art hub to benefit both the local community and the school.
We aim to
Showcase and celebrate the work of living artists, particularly from the local area
Highlight the work of Chenderit students, especially those studying art at GCSE and A Level
Create opportunities for the school and community to engage with art and artists
Promote an appreciation of the visual arts in the school and community
Develop a strong and supportive relationship with Chenderit School
Want to get involved?
The work of the gallery is carried out by an elected committee and is supported by our Friends and members, many of whom are artists living and working in Middleton Cheney and its neighbouring villages.
We would also like to partner with businesses and individuals who want to share in our development and help shape our long-term future. If this is you, please get in touch today.
“To provide a high quality and sustainable art hub at The Heseltine Gallery, for both the community and Chenderit School.”