Anneal and Forge Gallery, located at 24 Radford Street, is Stone’s newest hub for handmade art and crafts.
Founded by local artisans Elizabeth Welch and Nikki Hough, the gallery offers a unique blend of seasonal exhibitions and on-site workshops, creating a space for artists and enthusiasts alike.
A gallery born from craftsmanship
Anneal and Forge officially opened its gallery doors in November 2024, following years of successful pop-up exhibitions. Both founders are accomplished makers in their own right—Elizabeth creates intricate lampwork glass sculptures, while Nikki designs jewellery and runs jewellery-making workshops.
“We originally wanted a space to showcase our own work,” Nikki explained, “but we also saw a need for a local gallery where other artists could display their creations. Stone has so many talented makers who just need a platform to share their work.”
A dynamic space for artists and the community
Anneal and Forge is not your typical gallery. With seasonal exhibitions that change every 5–6 weeks, each show is centred around a specific theme, challenging artists to explore new ideas. Entry for artists is just £20, making it an accessible opportunity for both emerging and established creators.
Current and upcoming exhibitions feature a wide range of handmade art forms, including:
- Paintings and drawings
- Glass sculptures and jewellery
- Ceramics and textiles
- And much more!
The gallery’s current exhibition, Made With Love, is free for artists to join, with new pieces being accepted throughout the show.
Workshops and a peek into the creative process
What truly sets Anneal and Forge apart is its on-site workshops. Visitors can observe artists in action, gaining insight into the meticulous craftsmanship behind each piece. “It’s fascinating for people to see the work that goes into a handmade creation,” Nikki said. “It gives them a real sense of its value.”
The building’s large double windows, originally part of the workshop setup, now serve as an inviting showcase for the gallery, drawing the interest of passersby.
A gallery for everyone
Anneal and Forge welcomes all visitors, including four-legged friends. “Our customers are people who appreciate quality, handmade art and want to support independent creators,” Nikki shared. “Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind piece or just want to explore, we’re here to inspire.”
The gallery is open during exhibitions on:
- Wednesday to Friday: 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Outside these hours, the gallery operates “by chance or appointment,” allowing visitors to stop by if the workshops are open or to book a visit.
A call for artists
With the Spring exhibition on the horizon, Anneal and Forge is actively seeking artists of all kinds to take part. If you’re a maker interested in joining an upcoming exhibition, reach out via email at annealandforgegallery@gmail.com.
Stay connected with Anneal and Forge Gallery
Keep up with the latest exhibitions and news:
- Website: annealandforge.co.uk
- Facebook: Anneal and Forge Gallery
- Instagram: @AnnealandForge
As Nikki and Elizabeth continue to support local artists and bring new creative opportunities to Stone, Anneal and Forge is quickly becoming a treasured part of the community. Why not stop by their current exhibition, Made With Love, and discover the talent waiting to be found?
1 comment
Jill Hood
How exciting for Stone to have young talented artists here in town. Even better the opportunity to visit their exhibitions and watch them work.