Thelma Hulbert Gallery records a bumper year for visitors
Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG) is celebrating another exceptional year at the Honiton-based public art gallery.
The award-winning gallery has reported a record-breaking rise in visitor numbers to over 12,000 for the last financial year.
Their continued growth has been driven by a high profile exhibition programme including their best attended exhibition ever featuring the work of James Ravilious. Visitors flocked from across the UK to see the exhibition of this renowned photographer of rural life.
Exhibitions also explored important environmental themes, focusing on the value of waterscapes, nature restoration and water resilience. As flooding in East Devon became a major news story in February, the exhibition: Shifting Waterscapes gained significant regional exposure, with coverage on both ITV West Country and BBC Radio Devon
The gallery also boosted visitors through collaborations with arts organisations including The Burton at Bideford, CAMP and Devon Artist Network: showcasing artists exhibiting as part of the county-wide Devon Open Studios event.
THG's popular programme of schools workshops, talks and family art activities for both visitors and local communities across East Devon has also increased the gallery's numbers.
The gallery has already had a vibrant start to 2026 with a packed programme of exhibitions and events including 'Looking For Appearance' featuring the work of some of the UK's leading artists and important new loans of historic paintings.
THG's outreach programme goes from strength to strength and this year sees the launch of the Creative Cabinet - the new version of their popular, travelling art space: the Creative Cabin.
The gallery has developed a thriving youth group for 16 to 25-year-olds. The 'THG Youth Network' has designed the 'Creative Cabinet' as a lightweight alternative to travel to schools and community events across East Devon.
Thanks to Arts Council England and East Devon National Landscapes funding, the Creative Cabinet will offer a packed programme of art activities across East Devon this summer. Look out for them at Exmouth Art Weekend, Sidmouth Sea Fest, Whimple Fest, Exmouth Festival, Honiton Charter Day and Heath Week. For more details, visit thelmahulbert.com.
Councillor Nick Hookway, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Leisure, Tourism and Sport, commented,
"I am extremely proud of all that the gallery team has achieved and the increase in visitor numbers is a testament to all their hard work. These figures show just how valued art is to East Devon communities as well as how many new visitors are being attracted to these exhibitions.
By getting involved in the arts, people can create new connections and experiencing art has been shown to have a positive impact on health and wellbeing. Finally, a big thank you to everyone who has contributed, in any way, to the success of Thelma Hulbert Gallery."
