A two week festival of visual arts, music, workshops and exhibitions is to kick off, showcasing artistic talent across Purbeck in Dorset.
Purbeck Art Weeks (PAW), which takes place from Saturday 23rd May to Sunday 7th June 2026, will be holding a major exhibition of creative work from artists across the region at Rollington Barn near Corfe Castle, alongside the opportunity to visit artists’ open studios across the region.
Moira Purver with her engaging statue of Trevor Chadwick which stands near Swanage bandstand on the Recreation Ground
In Moira’s studio, visitors can see the wide range of beautiful subjects she has cast in bronze resin
Trevor Chadwick sculptor returns to PAW
Sculptor Moira Purver is opening her Langton Matravers studio, along with fellow artists Pip O’Neill and her daughter Sinead, for the first time since 2019.
Moira, who created the much admired life sized bronze sculpture of Swanage war hero Trevor Chadwick, was persuaded to participate in PAW after a seven year break. Moira said:
“There was Covid, then making Trevor, plus my husband Bill has dementia. He still enjoys music so my life is full of music – three bands, one orchestra and two choirs!
“But then Sinead mentioned whether I’d like to take part in Purbeck Art Weeks with her again. It wouldn’t have crossed my mind otherwise but it made sense to do it at my studio as we have plenty of parking.
“So we’d love people to come along and visit us. Everyone is welcome to have a chat and a browse. We also have the original clay model of Trevor in the studio which has unfortunately started to crack over time, but some may find it interesting to see.”
Sinead who when she isn’t painting, works in the Welcome Lounge at Swanage’s Focus Centre, added:
“Fortunately Moira didn’t take much persuading. We love her sculptures and they really deserve to be brought out of storage and put on display again!”
Teaming up for PAW (left to right) Moira Purver, sea glass artist Pip O’Neill, and painter Sinead O’Neill whose daughter was the model for the baby held by the Trevor Chadwick statue
Moira’s studio is a work of art in itself!
“I love showcasing Purbeck”
Over at Sandy Hill Arts near Corfe Castle, another well known local artist is opening his studio to the public.
Photographer Andy Farrer who won the prestigious Landscape Photographer of the Year in 2015, and has since been made an associate of the British Institute of Professional Photography, has been very busy in the run up to PAW. He said:
“As well as my own work, I also scan and print other artists’ work and of course everyone wants that done in the run up to PAW, so there’s been a lot to do.
“I love showcasing Purbeck and I try to do that with my photography but it’s also very satisfying being part of other people’s creative journey by producing their prints for them. Being able to do that here on site at Sandy Hill Arts is good for everyone.
“As a photographer I understand the science of colour which helps create a high quality print. I also get the right print on the right paper – I have 15 types of paper to choose from including metallic paper, a cotton-feel paper, and museum quality paper so the prints don’t fade.
“People are welcome to visit the studio, see my work and what I do, and hopefully I’ll also have my 2027 calendar on sale as well.”
Andy Farrer at work in his Sandy Hill Arts studio
Andy has committed to planting a tree for every print he sells – so far the total is 535 trees since December 2024
Bold and beautiful paintings
Andy produces prints for Swanage based artist Lucy Tidbury who is famous for her animal pictures, as well as artist Josh Hollingshead who is having an exhibition of his huge and vibrant paintings from 22nd to 24th May 2026 at The Loft community centre in Commercial Road, Swanage. He is offering the 20th visitor to his exhibition a free print of their choice.
Next door to Andy’s studio at Sandy Hill Arts is artist Susan Cox who is exhibiting during the first week at PAW.
Her residency for the week in Studio 14 features her bold and beautiful paintings of people within different settings. She says that she loves the unconscious elements that work their way into her images, and their rhythm, colour and shape.
Artist Susan Cox produces bold paintings which are worth taking the time to really appreciate the small details
Susan says she loves the colours and shapes of the Purbeck landscape
Concerts including Swanage Primary School singers
There’s more art in an exhibition featuring nine established and emerging artists at the National Trust’s Castle View welcome centre from Monday 1st to Sunday 7th June 2026, as well as a programme of concerts and special events.
The opening night concert by a British solo-voice ensemble called I Fagiolini, takes place at 6 pm on Saturday 23rd May 2026 at St Mary’s Church in Wareham. It’s followed by a series of classical concerts throughout the fortnight.
At The Mowlem in Swanage, there’s a concert called The Whispering Dome featuring musicians including singers from Swanage and Stoborough primary schools.
It follows a single nightingale on her epic migration from the UK to The Gambia in a performance on Friday 5th June 2026 at 6 pm.
“The richness of artistic talent”
Chair at PAW Charlotte Heath said:
“Purbeck Art Weeks is about bringing people together through creativity – whether that’s discovering extraordinary local artists, experiencing world-class performances, or simply exploring the landscape in a new way.
“This year’s programme reflects the richness of artistic talent here in Purbeck, alongside exciting international collaborations that connect us to a wider cultural conversation.”
Two weeks of art in Purbeck
Further information
- More about Purbeck Art Weeks
- Find the studios of Moira Purver, Andy Farrar, and Susan Cox
