Alfred East Gallery to host first exhibition in six years ahead of highly anticipated reopening
Culture and tourism24 August 2026
Image: "Gold Top" by Teresa Williams (detail)Ahead of the site full reopening, Alfred East Gallery will host an exciting collection of local art this September.
The Gallery will take part in the annual Northants and Rutland Open Studios event with Prelude… taking place in the new Garden Room on the site from 5 September to 2 October.
Located within the rear extension, the Garden Room is an exciting new addition to Alfred East Gallery and Kettering Library - a flexible space for exhibitions, art workshops, and more. After temporarily housing Kettering Library during the renovation work, Prelude… will be the first time this bright, modern room is used to host a gallery exhibition.
Opening on Saturday 5 September, Prelude… features work by six local artists, each with their own individual style, using a diverse range of mediums: Charlotte Ashman, Samantha Brockway, Serena Durgheu, Rosie Jarvis, Simon Loach, and Teresa Williams – who bring painting, printmaking, collage and photography together in one space.
The Alfred East Gallery has always been at the heart of the community in Kettering and this is an exciting moment for the team at the Alfred East Gallery, as well as residents. It will be great to see the site being used as it has always been intended - showcasing beautiful art.Cllr Greg Wilcox, the council’s Executive Member for Communities
But the work doesn’t stop with Prelude… we are continuing to work hard behind the scenes to fully open the Gallery in time for Northamptonshire Day celebrations at the end of October.
Alongside the main exhibition, visitors are invited to join the artists in celebrating the launch of Prelude... on Saturday 12 September from 6pm until 8pm, with opportunities to meet the artists individually on Saturdays throughout September. More information on the gallery’s website.
The exhibition is open until Friday 2 October and all artworks will be available to purchase.
Opening Times:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10am – 5pm
- Sunday 6 and 13 September: 10am – 4pm
Northants & Rutland Open Studios’ September Festival is an annual celebration of art that highlights creativity and talent across the two neighbouring counties. Exhibitions and workshops join demonstrations and events led by the artists themselves, including the Central Exhibition at Lamport Hall.
The Alfred East Gallery, alongside Kettering Library, will be officially reopened to coincide with this year’s Northamptonshire Day celebrations in late October - more details to follow.
Entry to Alfred East Gallery is free. For all visitor enquiries, please email [email protected]