Afterword             

The exhibition poster itself had great appeal as a piece of art in its own right and we soon started getting enquiries about whether the posters were for sale. They were!  It was of course a very fine example of Gordon French’s outstandingly beautiful painting, this time of Holland House in all its former glory. The catalogues were also in great demand and, having ordered 500, we had but one left to keep on our files for posterity.

We would also like to thank the local businesses who so generously donated wonderful prizes for our raffle. Winners sounded genuinely delighted when I rang them to tell them what they had won. 

Jennie Kettlewell

[Summer 2026]

Another great exhibition

We did it!

It’s been a difficult year for the French family and it was challenging to take on another art exhibition without Sandra’s skills and energy. I had told Jennie Kettlewell, your chairman, that I would continue to curate the show but, even with daughter Alex’s invaluable support, we would no longer have the capacity to organise the event itself. Jennie found trustees and members to help and they got the show on the road.

The result is that we had 85 artists showing wonderful work in the main exhibition and others with their work in the minimarket. Thanks to all you artists out there, the Holland Park Orangery looked stunning. There was variety, talent and imagination to be enjoyed. 43 artists sold their work. Footfall was higher than ever but, although buyers were cautious this year, we still raised gross income of just over £20,000. Once payment to artists and exhibition costs have been deducted, the surplus is likely to be around £6,000. 

A big thank you to idverde for transforming The Orangery into an Art Gallery, to the trustees, volunteers and particularly to Ilchester Estates for continuing to sponsor this annual exhibition.

Without the artists there would be no exhibition and it was heartwarming to hear from so many that they enjoyed taking part in this prestigious but friendly event and that they would be back next year. I look forward to meeting up again then.

Gordon French

[Summer 2026]

2026 Art Exhibition

When I wrote about this year’s exhibition in your winter 2025 newsletter my wife, Sandra, was in hospital, but still very much engaged with ensuring that the exhibition, now a popular feature in Holland Park, would be as successful as ever. Since then, Sandra has sadly passed away. Trustees Jennie Kettlewell and Isabelle Beaumont are working with Alex French to coordinate the event organisation that Sandra used to do so ably.  I will continue to curate the exhibition and, between us all, we will make sure it is as excellent as ever.

I was delighted when the trustees invited me to be the feature artist this year and I might surprise you with art from different stages of my career. There will be examples of a Gordon you probably don’t know!

Of course, the exhibition is about you, the artists. We look forward to welcoming back many artists who have become friends and artists who are new to exhibiting in The Orangery. If you are not entering work, then come along and see the great show we put on and perhaps buy one of the pieces.

Please note: Artists must have their completed forms, showing details of all their exhibits, to me by Friday 13 March 2026. We want all details correct in the catalogue, so please complete your exhibits form in legible capital letters.

Gordon French

Photo by the French family

Art Exhibition 2026 Timetable

Friday, 13 March  Final date for completed artist exhibits forms to be received to allow catalogue listing

Friday,  10 April  Artists deliver artworks to the Orangery, Holland Park  8.30-11am

                          Artists will be required to sign the catalogue to certify that all details shown are correct.

Friday,  10 April  Hanging & Judging    11am – 6pm

Friday,  10 April  Artists’ Reception  6.30pm – 8.30pm

Saturday, 11 April  Exhibition open to the public. 10.30am to 6pm

to Sunday, 19 April  Continues for 9 days 10.30am to 6pm with entry FREE OF CHARGE.  

Monday 20 April   Artists and buyers collect works,   9am – 11am

[February 2026]