Saddleworth landmarks are among the local sights celebrated in a major exhibition showcasing the work of more than 250 artists from across the borough.
The Oldham Open has returned to Gallery Oldham for 2026, with this year’s exhibition bigger than ever as part of Oldham’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.
More than 250 pieces have been submitted for the popular biennial exhibition, with work now filling both of Gallery Oldham’s main exhibition spaces.
The free exhibition features an eclectic mix of work, including drawing, painting, photography, ceramics, jewellery, hat making and patchwork.
And there is a distinctly Saddleworth flavour to some of the artwork, with artists turning their attention to familiar local landscapes including Delph and Dove Stone Reservoir, alongside views of Daisy Nook.
The exhibition celebrates the creativity of people who live, work or study in the borough, offering an opportunity for established and emerging artists to put their work in front of the public.
Among those exhibiting is Janis Bowie, whose work ranges from landscapes and everyday scenes to textile mill interiors.
She has two pieces in this year’s exhibition – Removing Roving Spools and Working in the Mill.
Janis said: “My fascination with mill interiors started because many local mills were closing down and I wanted to preserve the memory of this once important industry.”
Textile artist Ellicott Wilcox is also taking part in the exhibition with Rooster Vortex.
Ellicott, who has lived in the borough since 2010, is exhibiting at the Oldham Open for the fifth time: “I’ve been doing things with textiles on and off since 2000 and have been quilting since 2015.”
Visitors can also have their say by voting for their favourite artwork, with the winning entry receiving the People’s Prize.
Some of the pieces are available to buy, giving visitors the chance to take home an original piece of local art – and potentially get an early Christmas present sorted.
The Friends of Gallery Oldham are also continuing their support for the exhibition and will select a painting to potentially add to the gallery’s permanent collection.
Their previous choice was Cliff Murphy’s The Coliseum, which was added to the collection in 2024.
Head of Heritage, Libraries and Arts, Subnum Hariff-Khan, said: “This year we are hosting the exhibition over both Gallery Two and Three, allowing more artwork than ever to be shown.”
The Oldham Open 2026 is at Gallery Oldham, Greaves Street, until Saturday, November 14.
Admission is free and the gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.
You must be logged in to post a comment.