Art in the Pen

Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor
Art in the Pen

Art in the Pen at Skipton Auction Mart, Skipton 19 — 20 August 2023 Tickets from £6 — Book now

Yorkshire is well known for its agricultural and artistic culture however, these contrasting spaces don’t often come into contact with each other. That was until, in 2005, a small group of artists set up shop in a few of the cattle pens in Skipton Auction Mart. The arts and crafts fair now occupies the entirety of the Mart on an annual basis, each pen replacing the usual livestock with the work of makers, artists and craftspeople. Nowhere do the two worlds of livestock and art collide so energetically as they do at Art in the Pen.

Felters, knitters and woodworkers to painters, potters and jewellery designers the breadth and variety of work available is testament to the creative capacity of the North

The friendly and welcoming nature of the fairs allow you to meet and chat with the artists informally while exploring their work. Whether you’re looking for new work from established names or keen to find new emerging talent, they are all to be found in this unlikely artistic space. Although the artists take inspiration from anything to everything imaginable, there is definitely a strong influence of natural form and the rugged Yorkshire landscape.

For an idea of the kind of work you can expect to see this year, a good starting point is Art in the Pen’s directory of artists, which you can find on their website (hitting the ‘Book now’ button below will get you there). From felters, knitters and woodworkers to painters, potters and jewellery designers the breadth and variety of work available is testament to the creative capacity of the North.

Whether you’re looking to buy or just looking to be inspired by the inventive use of mediums, Art in the Pen is a meeting point for the best makers and creators in Yorkshire.

Art in the Pen at Skipton Auction Mart, Skipton 19 — 20 August 2023 Tickets from £6 Book now

Where to go near Art in the Pen

Aireville Park
Skipton
Park
Aireville Park

Aireville Park is a large, open space providing a meeting and stopping point for visitors as they go about their business through town.

Skipton
Theatre
Skipton Little Theatre

Skipton Little Theatre is cosy just over 70 seater local theatre and the home of Skipton Players the Craven area’s most active amateur thespians.

Skipton Boat Trips
Skipton
Tourist Attraction
Skipton Boat Trips

Join Skipton Boat Trips for a light-hearted look in local history from the boat with award winning comedians and on board dining.

Skipton
Elsworth Kitchen

Elsworth Kitchen elevates the already high quality local produce of the Yorkshire Dales to produce innovative and hearty dishes.

Skipton
Shop
Sound Bar

Sound Bar is a meeting place of music fans. Their record shop is perfectly complimented by their live acts and well curated bar.

Skipton
Event venue
The Narrow Boat

The Narrow Boat is in an excellent location and serves hearty home cooked comfort food alongside exceptional beers, ales and ciders.

Skipton
Hotel
The Unicorn in Skipton

The Unicorn is Skipton’s oldest hotel. Their warm Yorkshire welcome and hearty breakfasts are the perfect way to start a day of walking.

craven kitchen
Skipton
Restaurant
Craven Kitchen

Serving up bold flavours and nationally love classics Craven Kitchen is a firm favourite among local curry fans.

Skipton
Le Caveau

Combining the recipes of regional French dishes with local produce, Le Caveau, serves excellent meals underneath the heart of Skipton.

York
Gallery
Mill Bridge Gallery

Fine art, photography and sculpture – all by talented local artists – are exhibited in the Mill Bridge Gallery located in a canal-side building.

Culture Guides