Emma Valbret
Photography
“I’m a photographer who enjoys exploring different genres, but I’m particularly drawn to conceptual art that explores environmental issues. My current projects revolve around nature, environmental degradation, and also the human-nature relationship, creating images that encourage reflection on our impact and connection to the natural world.”
Artist’s links
Hannah Cole
Illustration / figurines / jewellery
“I create digital art, and make key-rings, pins and figurines out of polymer clay. I create most of my art pieces on Procreate using my iPad. I love the flexibility of digital art, and being able to apply my artworks to different mediums like stickers, cards and bookmarks. Most of my work is inspired by clowns, nature and pop culture.”
Artist’s links
J.D.Lee
Painting
“I am a landscape artist based in Leeds. In my work, I try to capture the beauty and raw energy of nature through a modern, dynamic lens. My passion for landscape painting began five years ago. Since then, I have wanted to hone a distinctive style that blends traditional techniques with contemporary influences. Through bold colours, dramatic compositions, and expressive brushwork, I aim to breathe new life into the landscape genre, reimagining the natural world with a fresh, innovative perspective.”
Artist’s links
Mark Hinchcliffe
Film photography – darkroom printing
“I have been taking photographs since I was 15, and for the past 30 years, I have worked on the photographic team at Leeds Teaching Hospitals. After the thrill of moving from film to digital, I realised that digital photography’s immediacy removed some of the craft from the process. I felt I wanted to regain the enjoyment of crafting my own photographs, so around 2013 I returned to creating images using film. So what’s the attraction when cameras are heavy, materials are expensive, the process is slow, and results have imperfections? Well, the process that has hardly changed for over 150 years is truly magical, relying on the simple elements of a lightproof box, lens, and film. Whilst Photoshop continues to remove every blemish, shooting film reminds us to be happy with imperfection and to know that we are looking at something real.”
Artist’s links
Moss Ambrose
Sculpture / ceramics / stained glass / graphics
“For me, exhibiting in the Chapterhouse is a bit like ‘coming home’, since my work uses many of the traditional techniques and materials which would have been familiar to a monk of Kirkstall Abbey. Whether in stone, glass or ceramics, methods of crafting have changed little over the millennia, and so my pieces, using as they do symbols and motifs of early art, represent a continuity between past and present. I hope you enjoy them!”
Artist’s links
Nutbush City Pigeon
Illustration / digital illustration
“I’m Nutbushcitypigeon, or Leanne for short, a West Yorkshire-based illustrator, specialising in digital illustration, as well as pen and ink. I’ve loved art for as long as I can remember, and my favourite thing is being able to share that joy with others!”
Artist’s links
Stephen Cole
Photography
“‘This Time’ is an ongoing documentary project granting intimate access to The Leeds Morris Men, aiming to capture the evolving identity of this long-standing group as they uphold and reinterpret a centuries-old tradition. Centred on trust and mutual respect, the work moves beyond simple documentation to explore the human relationships, dedication, and cultural vibrancy that keep Morris Dancing relevant today. Through portraits and candid imagery, the project reveals both the public and private sides of the dancers, reflecting on how tradition intertwines with personal experience. Ultimately, ‘This Time’ aspires to foster a deeper, contemporary understanding of Morris dancing, culminating in a book, exhibition, and short film that celebrate the people sustaining this living practice.”
Artist’s links
Please note, Kirkstall Abbey closes at 4 pm.
Access Guide
Heritage – twelfth century Abbey ruins.
Please see the main Kirkstall Abbey access guide for more details about the venue.
- The chapterhouse is located at the far end of the cloister (courtyard).
- The ground in the cloister area is grass with a tarmac path around the edge.
- There is a step down into the chapterhouse; this step is 6 cm high at its shallowest end.
- There are three steps leading up to another level at the rear of the chapterhouse.
- The steps are 15 cm high and 36 cm deep.
- There are no handrails.
- The floor of the chapterhouse is stone paving.
- The interior of the chapterhouse is shown below.
- Both assistance dogs and pets dogs are welcome in the Abbey grounds but must be kept on a lead.
- Dog bowls are available at the front entrance of the café.
- Dogs are allowed in the café, but only assistance dogs are permitted in the Rose Room.
- There are bins available for disposing of dog waste.
- Toilets are located in the shop.
- There are separate male and female toilets.
- A separate gender-inclusive accessible toilet is also available.
- Facilities in the accessible toilets include handrails on both sides of the toilet, an emergency alarm, and a fire alarm with a flashing light. There is room for a wheelchair to manoeuvre and space for an assistant. This toilet is not RADAR key operated.
- Baby changing facilities are available in the accessible toilet in the visitor centre. Kirkstall Abbey is a breastfeeding-friendly space.
- There is a café at Kirkstall Abbey.
- The menu includes sandwiches, hot meals, ice cream, and a variety of baked goods.
- Vegan and gluten-free options are available.
- Hot and cold drinks are served, and milk alternatives are available.
- High chairs are available.
- Service is at the counter, but table service can be requested.
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