The gallery is a non-profit space that showcases work from artists ranging from recent graduates to established names bringing contemporary art to the heart of Kent. It also provides a platform for the work of Tonbridge School pupils and staff.
Exhibitions explore particular themes or provide a showcase for individual artists. They often include objects that are not traditionally thought of as ‘art’ and may thereby entice their audience to re-examine their preconceptions about what art can be. OBS Gallery provides a space for enquiry and reflection.
The Past Falls Open Anywhere
Sarah Pointon brings The Past Falls Open Anywhere to Tonbridge School’s Tunnel Gallery this Autumn, 29 October until 1 November.
Inspired by art, history, literature and nature, Sarah’s work explores how memories and experiences shape the stories we tell. Figures, birds, trees and houses appear within layered compositions, offering students an opportunity to engage with themes of narrative, memory and transformation, and to consider how familiar places can be reimagined.
Drawing from observation and memory, Sarah records fragments in sketchbooks and folding concertina books before developing them into larger works. Her charcoal drawings are rubbed back, disrupted and erased to reveal unexpected marks, textures and stories, while some develop into paintings. Working across materials including ink, pastel, watercolour, oil and acrylic, her practice provides inspiration for students exploring experimental drawing, composition and the relationship between process and storytelling.
Family drop-in workshop
Sunday 1 November | 12.00pm–4.00pm
A free, hands-on creative workshop run by Sarah Pointon herself, open to children, families, schools and community groups. Participants are invited to explore their own creativity through practical art-making in a relaxed gallery setting. No booking is required.
Artist Talk
Wednesday 11 November | 7pm–8pm
Meet artist Sarah Pointon at this special evening event and enjoy the opportunity to explore the exhibition with the artist in attendance. Discover the stories behind the work through informal conversation, with all artworks available to purchase.
Book a free school or group visit
Monday 2 September – Friday 11 November
We warmly welcome school groups, colleges, art departments and community groups to visit the exhibition. Free guided visits can be arranged, and Sarah’s work offers excellent discussion points for GCSE, A-level and university students exploring drawing, composition, experimental mark-making and the connections between memory and storytelling.
To arrange a free school, college or specialist group visit during week days from 2-11 November, or to find out more about any of the events, please get in touch.
Matthew Lintott - Modern Relics
Old Big School Gallery is a highly versatile space with the following features:
- 56 linear metres of wall hanging space
- an additional 17m of movable walls
- 200m sq. of floor space
- smaller mezzanine space
- digitally controlled lighting
- trained art-handlers
- av equipment
- under-floor heating
- excellent catering service available
- 24hr security
- available for corporate events
Exhibitions
Old Big School & The Tunnel Gallery
Two major exhibitions take place at Old Big School Gallery during the year; mid January and mid September. Between these times there are wall based exhibitions that take into account the space’s additional use for student exams.
The Tunnel Gallery holds up to 10 exhibitions per year and, during the first two school terms, is home to the Artist in Residence.
Learn more about previous exhibitions
Follow us on Instagram
Follow @old_big_school_gallery to see the behind-the-scenes-build-up to the next exhibition and previous shows.
