Artizan Gallery is an independent fine art gallery dedicated to championing the work of local artists in the South West. Their inviting gallery space offers a professional, affordable venue for both experienced and emerging artists, as well as providing a venue for events, groups and workshops. Working from their base in the English Riviera, the gallery also manages pop-up spaces across Torbay and the South West. FIND OUT MORE
The gallery is situated just a minute’s walk from TLH Leisure Resort on the historic Lucius Street, a quaint, untouched road of independent retailers.
Artists Inspired by Torre Abbey’s Heritage in New Geopark Residency Showcase
Exhibition runs until18th May 2025 Venue: Torre Abbey, Torquay
Torre Abbey’s historic walls will set the stage for a remarkable new exhibition this spring as part of the Geopark Artist Residency Programme, a groundbreaking initiative that has supported four artists in creating new works inspired by the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark.
The Torre Abbey Geopark Artist Residency Showcase, launched on Saturday, 22nd March, and presents the work of two residency artists, James Murch and Laura Segan, whose creative practices explore the dynamic interplay between nature, history, and conservation. Their pieces offer fresh perspectives on the Abbey’s restoration, the passage of time, and the Geopark’s geological and cultural narratives.
This exhibition is part of a wider programme led by Artizan Collective CIC, Torre Abbey, and the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, funded through the Torbay Local Heritage Grant Scheme with investment from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Preserving and Reimagining Torre Abbey Through Art
Set within a UNESCO Global Geopark, Torre Abbey has stood for more than 800 years, adapting through centuries of transformation. Today, its ongoing restoration programme tackles the challenges posed by time, weather, and coastal climates—key themes that have influenced the artists’ work.
James Murch, known for his expressive open air painting, explores the tensions between preservation and natural reclamation, envisioning a future where nature reclaims Torre Abbey’s walls.
“This residency allowed me to push my practice further, exploring large-scale works while staying true to the immediacy of open-air painting. My work envisions a future where nature has reclaimed the Abbey. The experience reinforced the importance of preserving this heritage, not just as a historical landmark but as a living place that continues to inspire, alongside the vibrant ecosystem it supports.”
— James Murch
Meanwhile, Laura Segan, a multidisciplinary artist working in photography and textiles, examines the role of salt—both as a force of decay and preservation. Using alternative photographic processes and botanical dyes sourced from Torre Abbey’s gardens, her work reflects on the fragility of conservation.
I was fascinated to learn about the challenges Torre Abbey faces due to its proximity to the sea and how the salt air erodes the plaster. I was interested in this particularly because salt is often used as a preservative in my artwork, whether through fixing photographs or in the process of creating natural dyes. I wanted to play with the concept of erosion and preservation as a theme.
— Laura Segan
This showcase invites visitors to see Torre Abbey’s restoration journey through an artistic lens, prompting reflections on what it means to conserve a site shaped by both human intervention and natural forces.
A Collaborative Programme Exploring Torbay’s Heritage
The Geopark Artist Residency Programme has provided four artists with the opportunity to create work that tells new stories about Torbay’s landscapes and heritage. This exhibition at Torre Abbey focuses on the Abbey’s place within the Geopark, while a final showcase at Artizan Collective Gallery (25th May – 22nd June 2025) will present work by all four artists, including Gill Melling and Rachael Allain, who have explored marine environments and hidden geological narratives.
“Torre Abbey is more than just a historical site—it’s a place that has constantly adapted over time. This residency has given us the opportunity to consider the Abbey’s future, how it interacts with nature, and what it means to preserve a place that has already endured for centuries.”
— Victoria Weller, Torre Abbey
“The Geopark Artist Residency Programme has allowed us to explore new ways to tell the story of our unique place in Torbay, celebrating the ability of creative practitioners to reveal and uncover that which all too often goes unseen. We hope these new works will inspire audiences to see their home in a new light.”
— Jacob Brandon, Artizan Collective CIC
For more information on the Geopark Artist Residency Programme, visit www.art-hub.co.uk/ex/geoparkresidencies
This programme is a collaboration between Artizan Collective CIC, Torre Abbey, and the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark. Funded by the Torbay Local Heritage Grant Scheme through National Lottery Heritage Fund Investment, with additional support from CAF; a government funding stream, administered by the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF), to protect treasured heritage assets in England from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and funding from Museum Estate Development Fund using public funds by Arts Council England Torbay Council and the Friends of Torre Abbey (FOTA).
Detail of Original Oil by James Murch which will feature in the exhibition.
Original Pin Hole Photography by Laura Segan which will feature in the exhibition
About Artizan Collective CIC
Artizan Collective CIC is a social enterprise dedicated to supporting creative practitioners in Torbay and South Devon, championing opportunities for artists and makers while delivering high-quality cultural experiences for local communities. Since its foundation, the organisation has been committed to fostering an accessible, sustainable, and vibrant arts sector, working in partnership with local and national organisations to nurture talent, provide exhibition platforms, and advocate for the value of the arts in education, well-being, and place-making.
With two dedicated gallery spaces in Torquay, Artizan Collective hosts a diverse programme of exhibitions, ranging from solo showcases and group shows to major seasonal opens, attracting artists from across the UK. Alongside its exhibition programme, the Collective delivers artist development initiatives, workshops, and community outreach projects, ensuring that creative opportunities remain open and inclusive for all.
Artizan Collective plays a key role in regional cultural development, collaborating with public and private sector partners to shape Torbay’s evolving creative landscape. Recent projects include:
• The Great Paignton Paint Out, a large-scale outdoor painting event celebrating Torbay’s heritage and plein air traditions
• The English Riviera Open Studios, an upcoming initiative supporting local artists in opening their studios to the public
• The Geopark Artist Residency Programme, a partnership with Torre Abbey and the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, supporting artists in responding to Torbay’s internationally significant heritage
• Annual Open Exhibitions, which provide major exhibition opportunities for artists at different stages of their careers
Artizan Collective is committed to ensuring that art and creativity remain integral to Torbay’s cultural and economic identity, offering support, advocacy, and professional opportunities for creative practitioners while delivering inspiring cultural experiences for audiences.
For more information, visit www.artizangallery.co.uk or follow @artizangallery on social media.