Recognition 17th -23rd September

Following the success of the ‘Thisability’ Project at View from the Top, Crocodile House produced another successful exhibition to raise awareness and tackle the stigma surrounding learning disabilities. The photographs & presentation created poignant & thought provoking responses. The exhibition will now be on show in various venues and watch this website for details of their project next year.

Outside 3rd - 15th September

A small exhibition of images by local photographer/artist Keith Wright. The eerie, abstract results were all created using photographic and digital technology taking inspiration from winter visits to local nature reserve – Forbes Hole, Long Eaton.

Keith Wright - Photographer/local artist's Website

Green & Organic '08 3rd September - 13th September

This year's Green & Organic eco extravaganza was a green frenzy! Our opening night & fashion show was a foray of green love & we managed to raise over £150 for Music4Children a charity helping to build sustainable orphanages for street children in Nepal. BBC's Penney Poyzer stepped in to host the fashion show, she is also the patron of Music4Children.

The night saw fashions from Oxfam, Kathleen & lily's, The fancy Pants Parade, Savvy Style, Rhea Clements, Fresh Cargo & Hanna Randall! 28 hairstylists kindly did the hair for us, whilst Clare Gregory did the make up - thank you!

Thanks to the wonderful food suppliers - Dotty's Cafe on Mansfield Road & The Screaming Carrot on Foxhall road, AND not forgetting the wonderful goodie bags from the Green Box Shop!!

Artists & designers involved in the show & exhibition can be found here...
Images by Adam Goodge

Fresh 08 23rd July - 30th August

An open exhibition featuring some of the best art and design work from the Midlands! The 6 winners (as voted by you and a select panel) will be given another opportunity in the gallery next year in the form of a smaller group exhibition of their latest work!

The opening night was a hot affair, literally, with plenty of smoothies & wine gulped down! The exhibition looks great, and the talent this year has really showed, especially in the comments made by visitors! We hope to continue this opportunity to create a platform for emerging artistic talents in the Midlands.

Visit our blog with details about all the artists involved!

One Door opens...16th - 21st July

An interactive exhibition of objects and images that widely explored the concept of openings and all that it entails. The main body of work was by the Access to Arts workshop group from Double Impact, (an aftercare service for adults recovering from substance misuse) with contributions from their partner organisations City Arts and Framework. The exhibition was met with a warm response from visitors, and the door for comments was filled with positivity! We look forward to welcoming the next exhibition of work from the workshop group in the future...

In House ...8th - 15th July(View Staff present!)

Behind the scenes at View from the Top lurk a good few artists, photographers & designers! This exhibition gave them an opportunity to exhibit in their own group show. It saw a variety of mediums, from video & installation to contemporary textile designs.

20th Century Masters 3-6th July

PICASSO – MATISSE – COCTEAU – BRAQUE – CHAGALL – MIRÓ
Six 20th Century Masters
The Fine Art Partnership presented the sale of some stunning original works on paper

An excellent and exciting collection of works by six of the greatest graphic artists working in Spain and France in the 20th Century including: Picasso, Matisse, Miro, Chagall, Braque and Cocteau.

It was a very special show and the visitors to the gallery displayed this perfectly! We look forward to the Fine Art Partnership returning to View in November this year with another stunning collection!

Red Shoes exhibition 24th -30th June

Red Shoes Memories Ltd are a company based in Nottingham who specialise in Ladies Fashion Accessories and have started their collection in 2007 with 3 beautifully hand made leather handbags. They are sophisticated handbags with a twist. Customers can have their own photographs, pictures or even love letters printed on the inside of the handbag letting each sophisticated lady ‘walk with their memories’.

Red Shoes held this exhibition of their history and beautiful handbags at the View from the Top Gallery from the 24th – 30th of June. There were red shoes a plenty leading up to the gallery and lots of beautiful bit’s and bob’s. The opening night went with a bang because of their generous prize draw & drinks courtesy of the Dragon pub!

The exhibition also showcased all the Firfield Primary School’s entries to their ‘Red Shoes Girl’ competition which was judged by the local Mayor. It really sparked the imagination of the school children which was evident from the variety of entries!

For more details about Red Shoes ...
info@redshoesmemories.com / 07906 915 445

www.redshoesmemories.com

Print One, Stitch One 25th - 30th June

A group of contemporary textile designers based in Nottingham. The exhibition showcasesd a variety of constructed, printed and stitched textiles. It was received very well by the public and achieved some real positive feedback with a good few sales too!

Art Aid 17th - 21st June

Christian Aid work with partners around the world, supporting both long terms projects and emergency response work. CCDB, in Bangladesh, are one of Christian Aid’s partners that could be funded through your generosity. CCDB assist communities in building platforms to provide shelter in emergencies, and provide loans to families, who have been displaced by flooding and natural disasters, to rebuild their livelihoods.

In June 2008 Christian Aid held a high-profile exhibition and auction of work by artists from around the East Midlands to raise money for Christian Aid partners in Africa, Latin America and Asia, working to combat the effects of climate change.

70% of the price raised at auction went directly to supporting such climate change mitigation work; the remaining 30% of the sale price of each piece was paid to the artist.

You can find out more on their website - the auction was hosted by Graham Penney & raised well over £2,000 for charity! It was a fantastic result and a lovely event!
www.art-aid.org

Unseen Photography 4-16th June

This exhibition was part of Nottingham Trent University's Photography degree show 2008. Showcasing students on the verge of graduation and their cutting edge photography work.
Unseen Photography will certainly be seen again!

Cover Versions 14-31st May

Handcut, stitched, painted, collage, political satire - how many ways can 14 creatives reinterprete the humble record sleeve? Take a look We asked visitors to vote for their favourite artist, the prize being a week's solo exhibition in our small gallery. Over 300 people voted and Trak Smith emerged as winner,
but the voting was so close, we've decided to award Lois Cordelia Bulow-Osborne a week too. Watch the website for details.

Illuminating Illustrators April 17th - May 9th

Illustrators are often overlooked when it comes to exciting exhibition opportunities, yet illustrators combine art, design and creative skills to produce often very distinctive styles.

Our new exhibition proves this with a varied selection of Illustrations, from delicate watercolours to stylised line drawings. There are illustrative works to suit every viewer. Don't miss the graphic compelling illustrative paintings from Todd Wood.

The show includes amazingly detailed imaginary maps; natural and military history illustrations and the yellow submarine on its way to exhibition in Liverpool, City of culture 2008!

See our Artists' Blog for the exhibition...

Science City & STEM partnership - Commissioned photography by Mark Enstone 9th-14th April

An exhibition of photographs from Nottingham Science City and the East Midlands STEM (Science, Engineering, Technology & Maths) Partnership.

Aidan Shingler One in a Hundred 3rd-6th April

Aidan with his work "Brain Storm"









Aidan's moving and challenging multi media exhibition drew a large crowd for his talk and book launch Saturday 5th April. View from the Top was proud to host Aidan's acclaimed & thought challenging exhibition.

Reality Tester Aidan Shingler has worked in the field of visual arts for 30 years. His work is imbued with signs, symbols, synchronicity and significance. He has exhibited throughout the United Kingdom, including: Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art, Durham Cathedral, Kent Institute of Art & Design, Bournemouth International Conference Centre.

He campaigns to reform the mental 'health' system and highlights Human Rights violations within the psychiatric establishment. His new book - One in a Hundred - explores the spiritual and creative potential of ‘schizophrenia’ and how those labelled as such are treated by psychiatry. The accompanying multi media exhibition of the same name, also addresses these themes.

“A shaft of light into the darkness” Arts Journal
“Inexplicably beautiful” The Guardian
“Sharp, witty and in places very funny” Northern Review
“Beyond categorisation” Artesian Magazine
“Sheer brilliance” Mail-Out

Art previously hidden from view! Exhibition & Sale March 12-29th

VIEw from the Top Gallery Presents
Art previously hidden from view! Exhibition & Sale - Artists, first-time exhibitors & art owners

Exhibition & Sale open to the public Wednesday 12th – Saturday 29th March. Also Unframed Art and Print Table-top Sale Saturday 29th March

We put a call out to find those art treasures that people have hidden away in their studios, attics, garages or under the bed! They could belong to artists, to secret artists that have never revealed their work to others, or to owners of artwork that no longer has a place in their home.

What we unearthed is spectacular local talent. Exhibitors range from a 16 year old new photographer (we're definitely going to be watching this guy make his mark in the future!) unseen work from some of our best selling artists, and gorgeous watercolour and collage work from a retired artist new to Nottingham.

On the last Saturday (March 29th) there was a table-top sale of unframed artwork held in our Events Room.
Visit our Artist blog about the show...

Luke Shreeve-Small Gallery 25th-31st March

Luke Shreeve - Contemporary Artist, a successful show of vibrant screenprints.

Roger Howe- Contemporary Photographer's Debut show! 12th-17th March

Born in Nottingham, Roger studied at Clarendon College, before completing an Art and Design foundation at The Derby College of Art.

Roger finished his formal training at The Falmouth School of Art and Design, after which he embarked upon a successful career as a Graphic Designer. As a Multi disciplined individual, he has chosen to express himself through various media from photography to illustration and sculpture.

His artwork is now available exclusively through Originator Ltd and their authorised agents. Roger's contemporary photography is crisp, clean and stunning. Highly detailed, his images are printed with utmost care and have their own distinctive feel.

Roger showcased his work in this show at View from the Top, but we haven't seen the last of him! Visit his new website! Roger Howe-Originator Design

Nottingham Creative Business Award Winners 26th Feb - 10th March

Nottingham Creative Business Awards last October celebrated and rewarded the talented individuals and businesses that make Nottingham one of the most exciting cities in the UK today.

This exhibition at VIEw from the Top organised by Nottingham Creative Network celebrated the creative practitioners and the winners from a tough competition bursting with talent & innovation.

Together Agency, Debbie Bryan, Philips Watts Design, CPMG Architects, Mixed Reality Lab, Michael Pinchbeck, Daniel A Hanson, Simon Ellis, Cubic, Spectrum, Dance4, John McLean, Moot Gallery, GH Hurt & Son Ltd.


Image - Photography winner John McLean!

Nottingham Creative Network

One Nottingham 12th-18th February

Nottingham is sometimes seen as a "tale of two cities" one rich and prosperous, the other suffering hardship and deprivation. The city centre, with its wealth and cosmopolitan lifestyle is surrounded by some of the poorest communities in the country. One Nottingham's goal is to narrow the gap between these areas, and to shape a better future for us all.

In this successful show, Toby O'Neal's enigmatic images of Nottingham's community projects were showcased. Each photograph seemed to really capture the character and
essence of the subjects.

One Nottingham

Made in Nottingham 16th Jan-17th February

MADE IN NOTTINGHAM was a new successful venture by the gallery to help showcase and provide a market opportunity for some of Nottingham's most talented designers and makers!

A unique selection of accessories, individual one offs and unusual gifts showcase in the gallery alongside our photography show. All items on display were for sale at affordable prices, and purchases from our collection helped Nottingham based designers & makers continue their creative and innovative work.

We exhibited and sold work by;
*Elefair giftware(designed in Nottingham, fairtraded jewellery)

*Fizgig Glass(individually created glass jewellery & beautiful light catching pieces) FIZGIG GLASS

*Have Cake Designs(Embrodiered individual bags & purses)

*Vintage Reclaimed(recycled watch faces, scrabble pieces, unique charms and antique silver reclaimed and given new life in contemporary jewellery!)VINTAGE RECLAIMED

*Sue Holdaway(dramatic one off jewellery from recycled glass, winner of Paul Smith award in 2007)SUE HOLDAWAY

*Joy(quirky now online shop showcasing some of their locally created pieces, including retro comic book badges & handknitted roses)JOY SHOP ONLINE

*Frailloop (unique metal pieces created using recycled metal)FRAILLOOP

*Alys Power(recycled metal jewellery with real attention to detail!)ALYS POWER

From vintage jewellery to recycled metal snails! The collection was bound to have an impact and bring visitors back for more! We had many visitors returning after our Made in Nottingham collection had finished, so now you can find out more about those lovely items which caught your eye!

Nottinghamshire's Rainbow Heritage13th-17th February

In February, VIEw from the Top, city centre gallery was proud to present Nottinghamshire’s Rainbow Heritage and their exciting new venture celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) lives, hidden history and culture. This three-year project is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Representatives from a variety of LGBT Community and Voluntary groups, professional LGBT networks and interested individuals – including Lesbian and Gay Switchboard, the North Notts LGB Development Group, Notts Police Outnetwork and Nottingham Pride - are involved in the project.

The exhibition saw a hugely successful “launch” event, and a great response from visitors throughout. Watch this space for more from Nottinghamshire's Rainbow Heritage!
http://www.nlgshistory.ik.com/

Our 1st Photography Open show-Resolution 16th Jan-9th Feb

VIEw from the Top Gallery Presented RESOLUTION our 1st Photography Open Show & Live Auction in support of PhotoVoice - January 16th – Feb 9th 2008

PhotoVoice’s mission is to bring about positive social change for marginalised communities through providing them with photographic training with which they can advocate, express themselves and generate income.


VIEw from the Top’s first photography open exhibition aimed to help raise awareness of Photovoice, a charity giving the most disadvantaged people the chance to represent themselves.

The exhibition presented an exciting, diverse selection, highlighting the vast spectrum of the art of photography, including landscape, portrait, wildlife, architectural, abstract and photo-journalism.

See a Review of the show by Hugh Dichmont on Left Lion's website

Christmas Gift Fairs

Artists and designer-makers offered their unique alternatives to mass-produced Christmas gifts including millinery, ironwork, photography,paintings, baby clothes, wooden gifts, textiles and jewellery.

Dec 5th - 23rd 'Inspired' A Festive Exhibition

Lizzie Adcock and Jill Perry presented a festive celebration of art and textiles bringing history back to life.

Original works include paintings, limited prints, framed textiles, gorgeous gifts and interior delights.

Round Earth Imagined corners 11th-17th Dec

“Whether artists or viewers we all select images which inspire us and have personal meaning. ‘Round Earths Imagined Corners’ is our collection of responses to landscape, both in broad expanse and close up detail; seven different ways of seeing.”

This exhibition featured seven artists from around the Midlands:

Deborah Walker – Painter
Susan Steele – Printmaker
Robin Mason – Painter
Robert Perry – Painter
Paul Hipkiss – Printmaker
David Hunt – Painter
Michael Goodrum – Visionary glass


For further information please contact Deb: deb@walkerart.freeserve.co.uk or Susan: susan@steeleart.co.uk

Joanna Geldard Dec 4th - 10th

Joanna Geldard presented a selection of her work. A contemporary look at pointillism, textile based sculptural pieces and canvasses inspired by dance, movement and sensory awareness.

Art Fusion North 27th-2nd Dec

Established group of contemporary northern artists presented their Christmas Exhibition 2007 at View.

The diversity of the group is reflected in the dynamic use of a wide range of media from exquisite objects and sculptures in glass, beautifully patterned ceramic forms and vessels to highly original mixed media art work and limited edition prints.
This is a fantastic opportunity to purchase affordable top quality work by professional artists.

www.artfusionnorth.co.uk

Charlotte Thomson in the Small gallery 20-26th November

A range of original artwork and prints by local artist Charlotte Thomson. Charlottes work is mainly figurative with inspiration from the early half of the 20th century, silent movies, low brow comic book style imagery and burlesque.

The exhibition will feature illustrative drawings in graphite and ink and fine art paintings in acrylic and mixed media.

Charlotte exhibited her popular paintings, prints and quirky characters alongside Nancy in November.

Sirens in Stockings 20-26th November Nancy Farmer

Sullen fairies, belligerent demons and other curious monsters - dark, whimsical contemporary art, all with a satirical edge and a twist of humour – Nancy Farmer’s paintings could be mistaken for fantasy art – but this is not quite accurate, rather, she holds a murky and distorted mirror up to ordinary life.

Her characters resonate with modern-day decadences - the fairies are delinquent; the devils bored, half-heartedly persecuting the Dammed merely because it is their job to do so; the guardian angel is fat and indolent, her rose-tinted spectacles shielding any wrong-doing from her 'watchful' eyes. A sad lost gentleman is found in a bar full of curious demons, but refuses to leave and admit he’s in the wrong place, while the smartly dressed devil is equally on edge in a rather tacky wine bar full of ‘ordinary’ people. Here are monsters and demons, certainly, but here are also our colleagues, friends and relations, and it is often uncertain quite which are which.

Nancy is largely self-taught as a painter. Having completed a degree in jewellery design at Glasgow school of Art, and an MA in Metalwork conservation at the V&A Museum, she turned to painting in around 1999. In 2002 she moved to Somerset and took up her artwork as a full-time career. She has exhibited in a number of exhibitions in the south of England, amongst these two solo shows in Suffolk and several joint and group exhibitions in Somerset and London. The Exhibition at ‘View from the Top’ gallery, in Nottingham, was her first major exhibition in this part of the UK. Her work may also be seen on a frequently updated website at www.nancyfarmer.net.

Shared Experience 13th-18th November

In the main gallery alongside Keep and Share's travelling store, Shared Experience showcased a varied Exhibition which included Jaslo Jewellery Designers Sue Kimpton and Jo Bail and Portrait Artists Ruth Perry & Chelcie Smith.

Keep & Share 14th-18th November

From 14th-18th November, View from the Top's small gallery hosted the Keep&Share's travelling store!

Keep & Share is an alternative luxury label, offering unconventional - yet infinitely wearable - knitwear for both men and women. Each piece is designed to satisfy over time, and is lovingly knitted in rural Herefordshire by the designer, Amy Twigger Holroyd, and her small team of makers.

Although the label mainly trades via its website, www.keepandshare.co.uk, from time to time Keep & Share like to jump in their van and set up the Travelling Store, a 'pop-up shop' which appears for just days at a time at venues around the country. These events offer customers the rare chance to see the full Keep & Share range - including cardigans, shrugs, jumpers and scarves - plus sub-collections such as the Eco Edition line, created from naturally coloured, organic and local yarns.

The Travelling Store took residence at View from the Top for 5 days in November, as part of an autumn tour which also takes in London, Bath and Hereford.

Emergence MA photography De Monfort 6-12th November

View from the top played host to Demonfort University's MA Photography graduates in a group show, which showcased some great photographic ideas and was beautifully presented.




NIGEL TACEY

Charles Thomson 30th Oct-5th Nov

Charles Thomson, contemporary painter and script writer took over the small gallery, with vibrant colours and exciting compositions.

Look out for more work from Charles in the near future at View from the top!

Danse Macabre 30th Oct-5th Nov

Darkwave Art, The Paint Distresser and Charlotte Thomson Art & Illustration Present-
Danse Macabre

Like the archetypal White Rabbit, follow the artists as they take you on a labyrinthine journey through their weird and wonderful worlds. This exhibition featured 15 artists from around the UK whose work is concerned with the macabre and gothic.

Artists included - Natalie J Watts Photography, Vicky Mather,Steve Allen,Vicky Wilson,Christiane Pedros, Geoff Sims,Andy Cole, Andy Hixon, Matt Vickerstaff (DarkWave Art), Paul Bowring (The Paint Distresser) and View from the top's own Charlotte Thomson.

The Private View (RSVP to info@dansemacabre-art.co.uk took place devilishly close to halloween on October 30th with refreshments sponsered by the Pit & Pendulum and featured performances from the spectacular Vicky Butterfly and disturbing Rachel Parry.

The exhibition was intended to become a regular collaboration and was a huge success ensuring its' reoccurrence in the future! Where fear and dread meets longing and anticipation!

Game City 22nd-28th November

Game City, Nottingham's annual video game festival took residence at View from the Top as one of its' many venues this year. Things got messy with cutting and sticking the new Keita Takahashi video game characters! Then lego filled the space, with a brilliantly busy brick-a-thon!!! The gamesmaker workshop allowed 20 kids and adults alike to learn and create their own videogames, whilst parents were given a lesson on playing videogames in the session "who's afraid of video games?"

Frame of Mind 9/10/07-22/10/07

This October, Nottinghamshire Mental Health Trust returned for the third time to show their beautiful paintings, photographs, sculptures and prints.

The show was a brilliant success with the gallery being filled with creations filled with energy and honesty. It was a best selling show and we look forward to its' return in the future!

Image Alison Walker, Textile

Maureen Dybala Oct 2nd - 8th

Nottingham artist with work in the abstract or non-objective tradition - pure invention. Maureen says 'art at it's best is an act that restores a magical content to life and this magic is essential to our happiness.I believe that paintings are like music, capable of evoking the same diverse feelings, moods and meanings in each of us and my biggest inspiration has to be music and my aim is always to project this rhythm through my art.'

25 Sept - 2 October 2007 Friar Lane Gallery

Friar Lane Gallery is a small commercial venture on the Nottingham Castle side of Friar Lane. The work thus far has been jaw-droppingly stunning, and the window displays are eye catching and lush. The portfolio is full of work that is visually very striking, and yet remains contemporary and vital. Friar Lane Gallery is exhibiting 25th September until 2nd October at View From the Top, come along to see some beautiful, fresh contemporary pieces.

Green and Organic 12th-23rd September 07

September brought a lot of green love to VIEw from the top in joint collaboration with SUSU Organic. An eclectic exhibition, fashion show and market celebrated eco friendly business and design.

SUSU Organic and VIEw from the Top hosted the exciting 'Green and Organic' opening on 12th September 6-9pm. To mark the opening of this eclectic exhibition, a fashion show helped to promote some upcoming ethical designers. Special guest Penney Poyzer from BBC's "No Waste Like Home" gave us some extra green love, and wines naturally donated organic wine for tasting, ensuring the evening went with a swing.

The exhibition was received well, combining elements of advice about energy saving, the benefits of organic materials, the energy and beauty of recycling using amongst other things - lager bottles! The success of the exhibition could be seen in the disappearance of juicy cherry tomatoes on offer, and the vibrancy of the exhibits as commented by visitors.

View from the top to hosted the eclectic market, which offered advice, education, a chance to buy some lovely recycled jewellery and clothing and even the opportunity to have a massage!

View from the top looks forward to seeing green in future and would like to give a big green loving thank you to everyone involved, especially Mark and Munazzah, new members of the View from the top team!

8 Aug - 2 Sept 2007 Fresh Art & Design

New graduates, early career artists and designer-maker businesses were invited to take part in this unique event aimed at exposing new talent to customers on the High St. 120 pieces were exhibited and over three weeks, visitors to the gallery were invited to bid for their favourites. Several went at the 'buy it now' price on the opening night with Lincoln graduate, Steve Ingram, making a particular impression (watch this space - you'll be seeing more of him at VIEw) Other new names included Gemma Fielding, Ruth Perry, Lorna Hooper and photographer Gill Choo.

'Fresh' was organised by our gallery co-ordinator, a young artist and illustrator, Charlotte Thomson, with the help of a small team of aspiring artistic practitioners from Nottingham Trent University, South Nottinghamshire College and Loughborough University School of Art and Design. Thanks guys! It was a resounding success definitely to be repeated!

If you are an artist interested in exhibiting at our next open show email charlotte@viewfromthetop.co.uk

July 25 - Aug 6th 2007 'Inspired'

Inspired from Medieval manuscripts to Elizabethan textiles this celebration of art and textiles combines original works, including paintings, limited prints, framed textiles, costume, gorgeous gifts to interior delights! Textile designer Lizzie Adcock creates luxurious interior and giftware inspired by Elizabethan textiles. From exquisite stamped silk designs to blackwork prints of Elizabethan Lace, strawberries, peapods, enchanted gardens to menacing sea monsters, all handmade just for you! http://www.arumliliedesigns.co.uk/ Artist Jill Perry combines her love of medieval manuscripts with traditional folklore, tales and rhymes. The creative energy in Jill’s colourwork and design draws you into her magical anagorical tales. http://www.jillperry.com/

July 25 - Aug 6th 2007 Marie Helene Collection

Marie Helene Collection - Original, contemporary, digital photographic art presented by Sandy Camel Media Productions. The exhibition displays a selection of the images from the 'Marie Helene collection'. Images which reflect upon the reality of life when contrasted and compared with the emotions of life, including hopes, expectations, love, trust, and belief.
http://www.sandycamelmediaproductions.co.uk/