Community Collaboration: Solicitors and Local Artists in Saddleworth

Our new office in Uppermill is celebrating local talent with a unique partnership between Pearson Solicitors and The Saddleworth Group of Artists. This exciting community collaboration brings together law and art, showcasing the incredible creativity found right here on our doorstep.

This summer we opened new offices on the High Street in Uppermill, and we’ve partnered with the Saddleworth Group of Artists to display their work throughout our communal areas.

“We took time and care to refurbish this amazing building using local firms, so it was only fitting that when it came to the artwork we looked at what we had on our doorstep,” said Carol Parker of Pearson Solicitors.

“Our aim is to have a rotating collection of local artworkdisplayed across our reception, meeting rooms and communal spaces. All pieces are available to purchase, and it’s something for our clients to enjoy—hopefully discovering more about the group and perhaps even taking a piece of Saddleworth art home.

“There are some amazingly talented local artists in our community and it has been a pleasure to work with them. A few staff already have their favourites and are considering making a purchase,” Carol added.

Image: Artwork from Saddleworth artists on display in the meeting room at Pearson Solicitors in Uppermill

We also hope to play a part in the Saddleworth Art Trail next year by providing a central Uppermill location, helping the group to further showcase their work. Visitors to our office who are interested in buying a painting can simply enquire at reception.

The Saddleworth Group of Artists

The Saddleworth Group of Artists has over 40 members, working in a wide variety of media including oil, watercolour, ink, pastel, stitch, etching and sculpture. This collaboration with Pearson Solicitors means their work will be refreshed every few months, offering visitors a chance to see a changing collection of styles.

Image: Artwork from Saddleworth artists on display in the reception at Pearson Solicitors in Uppermill

Janis Bowie, President of the group, said:

“On behalf of the group, I can only say that we feel flattered to have been asked, and thrilled to have the opportunity to show our work in such a lovely, tastefully refurbished building.”

The group is also affiliated with Saddleworth Museum and Art Gallery in Uppermill, where free art exhibitions are staged twice a year—one in summer, usually June, and another from November to January.

A rich local history in the Arts

Founded in 1950 by Saddleworth artist Ellis Shaw and fellow students from Oldham School of Art, the group first met in a weaving loft on Spring Street, Uppermill, holding exhibitions, meetings and classes.

Notably, L. S. Lowry was a frequent visitor and guest exhibitor at the first Saddleworth Arts Festival in 1957. In later years, with the support of the Carnegie Trust, weekend schools featured nationally recognised artists such as Ruskin Spear, Josef Herman and Kyffin Williams.

In 1979, when the tenancy on the Spring Street studio ended, Roger Tanner offered exhibition space at the new gallery attached to Saddleworth Museum. Since then, the group has continued to hold twice-yearly exhibitions overlooking the canal, as well as shows at Gallery Oldham and the annual Saddleworth Art Trail.

Today, the group’s 40+ members reflect a wide spectrum of artistic backgrounds. Some run classes open to the public, while others are also members of The Manchester Academy of Fine Art.

How can we help?

For more information about our legal services in Uppermill or community collaborations contact us on 0161 787 3500 or email enquiries@pearsonlegal.co.uk.

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Please note that the information and opinions contained in this article are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to provide legal advice. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Ltd or any of its members or employees. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking, or refraining from taking, any action as a result of this article.