Alford Arts Gallery.

by Christine Taylor (artist & volunteer)

Alford gallery was born in the heart of our small rural market town in August 2021.  

It is the result of long held dreams and much hard work by a band of local creatives who have already established a craft market, a craft shop, a pottery and craft courses.  

It’s a bright and airy space, well lit with big windows, white walls and floor and plenty of art in a variety of mediums, located in the market square, with parking nearby. 

The George pub is literally a minute away for coffee, beer or lunch. And the famous chippy, ‘the Jolly Friar’ is just the other side of the square. Follow the smell of hot salty chips with vinegar for an easy alfresco lunch. 

The gallery ethos is to be a part of the whole community, to embrace the area it lives in and the people it lives with.  The art inside the gallery deliberately celebrates Lincolnshire and local artists. 

There is always an opportunity open for young aspiring artists who may want to dip a toe into the pool of art, so if that’s you - be brave and apply to join the gallery!  

Of course, all artists are welcome to apply, of any age, experience, background or training. Ceramicists, sculptors, textile designers, print makers, figurative artists, landscape artists, abstract artists, contemporary artists, we would love to see your work. 

Every month a spotlight is put on a particular artist, who gets a dedicated space of their own. The gallery is always changing and evolving, much to the joy of our community. 


Our wonderful volunteers are our strength and backbone.  The gallery is not for profit and a passionate team of art loving volunteers ensure the gallery is open and looks fabulous at all times. They are the local guardians of our creative community in both the gallery and the craft shop. 

Anybody who would be able to spare a day or two a month to man the gallery, be surrounded by art and chat to lovely visitors please contact us. If you would rather not chat but can hang pictures, paint walls, do a little marketing or office work, then we would still love you to volunteer. 

Between the craft shop and the art gallery are a wide choice of classes suitable for complete beginners to proven artists. The classes include painting, drawing, plein air sketching, pottery, glass making, jewellery making, felting and lampshade making to name but a few.  All the tutors are lovely people, highly skilled and ready to welcome you to their world of creativity. 

The Alford Manor House also hosts regular craft market events in association with the craft market shop, the art gallery, local makers, artists and musicians.  The next one is on Jubilee weekend - from Thursday 2nd June to Saturday 4th June. 
There will be cake. 

As if that was not enough creativity and artistry, Alford has a knitting and crochet shop, plus a haberdashers/fabric shop. Fantastic for all the textile artists in our area. 

If a day trip appeals to you, bring your dog to enjoy our lovely local walks. Most places are dog friendly, there’s even a lovely little pet shop for you to buy Scooby snacks for your best friend. 

St Wilfreds church is next to the George Inn and full of history. You’d be welcome to have a look around. 

Tuesdays and Fridays are market days, Alford is one of the country’s oldest market towns with a central market square that goes back to nearly 800 years ago. 

There is a lot of Georgian architecture and the presence of our ancestors can be felt and seen in the alleys and cobbled shortcuts of Alford centre. 

We are 7 miles from some of the most beautiful and undiscovered beaches in the world. You could pop along to Anderby Creek to visit the cloud bar (you’d have to see it for yourself), walk along the beach and get an ice cream at the local cafe.  If you’re game, Skegness and all the fun of the fair, complete with candy floss and fresh doughnuts is just a short drive away. 

The 5 sailed windmill in Alford is currently being rejuvenated to be put back together for visitors next year.  We can’t wait! 

We also can’t wait to meet you, whether you’re an artist, a visitor, a volunteer or just passing by. Come and meet us, see what we are up to and maybe - join in.