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.
Distance Drawn
Acclaimed landscape artist Julia Corfe brings distance drawn to Tonbridge School’s Tunnel Gallery this August, Saturday 29 – Monday 31 August.
Distance Drawn brings together a collection of paintings, prints and drawings inspired by some of Europe’s most dramatic and unspoilt landscapes, including Swaledale in the Pennines, Iceland and Norway. Through her work, Julia explores remote places where nature remains largely untouched, capturing the ever-changing effects of weather, light and colour across these wild environments.
Julia studied at Northampton and Kingston upon Thames Colleges of Art and began her career as a printmaker before developing her distinctive approach to landscape painting. Her work has been exhibited at the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers and the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, and features in public and private collections across the UK.
Family drop-in workshop
Sunday 30 August | 12.00pm–4.00pm
A free, hands-on creative workshop inspired by Julia’s landscapes, 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 evening
Thursday 10 September | 6.30pm–8.00pm
Meet artist Julia Corfe 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 7 September – Friday 11 September
We warmly welcome school groups, colleges, art departments and community groups to visit the exhibition. Free guided visits can be arranged, and Julia’s work offers excellent discussion points for GCSE, A-level and university students studying landscape, composition, colour, mark-making and artistic practice.
To arrange a free school, college or specialist group visit during the week of 7 September, 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.
