Community Share Offer Launch
21st October 2026 [DATE CHANGED]
The Ashton Court Mansion Community Share Offer Launch brings together Bristol’s community around a shared ambition to secure the future of one of the city’s most significant historic buildings. The event marks an important moment in the Mansion’s story, inviting people to come together, invest in its future, and help shape a new chapter for Ashton Court Mansion as a place for everyone.
As part of the launch, Bristol Plein Air Painters will bring together work by artists from across Bristol, who have captured the Ashton Court Mansion.
Founded in September 2025 by Helena Traill, Bristol Plein Air Painters began as a small monthly gathering for artists wishing to paint outdoors together across the city. A year later, it has grown into a thriving creative community of artists spanning generations, experience levels and approaches to contemporary landscape painting.
Meeting on the last Saturday of each month, the group paints throughout Bristol’s parks, streets, harbourside, gardens and surrounding landscapes. Members range from those beginning their painting journey to established exhibiting artists, united through the shared act of working directly from life. For many, the group offers not only a creative practice, but a social and supportive space within what can otherwise be a solitary discipline.
With thanks to Ashton Court Mansion for including us on your launch day!
Open Call
This one day exhibition is open to all artists! Photography, paintings, sketches all welcome. Framed or unframed. As long as they are dry!
Submission Criteria
- Subject: work of the exterior or interior of Ashton Court Mansion
- Maximum size: 100cm (in any dimension)
- Work can be a photograph, painting, or sketch, but it must be dry
- Key dates [PLEASE NOTE: DATES WERE CHANGED ON 1 OCTOBER]
- Submissions close: Friday 16 October
- Artwork drop-off: Tuesday 20 October, 9am to 6pm, Helena Traill’s studio, Bedminster
- Exhibition: Wednesday 21 October, Ashton Court Mansion
- Meet the Artists: 2 to 3pm, Wednesday 21 October
- Collection: From Thursday 22 October (unless extended display is agreed), from Helena Traill’s studio, Bedminster
The exhibition is organised by the Bristol Plein Air Painters, led by Helena Traill. If you have any questions, please contact: enquiries@helenatraill.co.uk
