Please note, Kirkstall Abbey closes at 4 pm.
Aaron Jolley
painting
“I am a contemporary artist based between Leeds and Essex. I studied Fine Art and Contemporary Art at the University of Leeds from 2019 to 2022, and regularly exhibit my work. I’m primarily a painter, but I enjoy the influence of a range of mediums. Recently, my work has dealt with themes of voyeurism, the domestic, and the familiar.”
Artist’s social media links:
Alexander Morrall
digital art
“I am an artist born and living in Leeds. My work consists of a mix of digital painting, photo manipulation, and traditional sketching and painting. Often inspired by classic baroque art and literary devices my pieces often explore ideas of time, beauty, history and identity.”
Artist’s social media links:
J.D.Lee
painting
“I live and work in Leeds and draw inspiration from the changing landscapes of the Yorkshire countryside, the industrial textures of the city, and the shifting atmosphere of the seasons. In my work, I try to play with light, shadow, and abstraction to evoke a sense of movement and emotion within the landscape, blending realism with elements of the surreal. With each piece, I seek to create immersive environments that invite viewers to experience nature’s power and fragility in a new way.”
Artist’s social media links:
Jelena Havelka
painting / printing
“I am an artist based in Leeds, West Yorkshire, specialising in painting with oil and cold wax medium. My work features expressive emotional landscapes – imaginary spaces that merge memories of physical landscapes with resonant moods and emotions, highlighting the interconnectedness of our memories and experiences. I have participated in group exhibitions across Yorkshire.”
Artist’s social media links:
Hannah Cole
Illustration / figurines / jewellery
“I create digital art, and make earrings and other small things with Polymer Clay. I create most of my art pieces on Procreate on an iPad, I love the flexibility of digital art. My dog Gizmo keeps me company whilst I create. I love clowns, animation and p(m)uppets.”
Artist’s social media links:
Moss Ambrose
Sculpture / ceramics / stained glass / graphics
“I retired from teaching (Drama and English Creative Writing at secondary level) ten years ago. I have since embarked on a creative journey in ceramics, stained glass, and stone carving. During lockdown, I refined my drawing techniques by sketching various landmarks in connection with the Kirkstall Valley Development organisation. This inevitably included multiple sketches of the Abbey and its environs. This provided multiple inspirations for creative ventures in my chosen mediums.”
Artist’s social media links:
Stephen Cole
photography
“Inspired by recent collaborations with Mandy Long, I have previously exhibited as part of the Art Trail. I am slowly building my practice with more direct collaborations with local artists. My aim is to make photography and art in general more accessible. A photographer for over 40 years, I had to leave my work as a police photographer due to PTSD. I now use photography as a mindful treatment for depression and PTSD. I am keen to raise the status of photography as an art form and use any opportunity to showcase my work.”
Artist’s website and social media links:
Access Guide
Venue type
Heritage – twelth century Abbey ruins.
Venue description
Please see the main Kirkstall Abbey access guide for full details.
● The chapterhouse is located at the far end of the cloister (courtyard).
● The cloister area consists of grass with a tarmac path around the edge.
● There is a step down into the chapterhouse, which is 6 cm at its shallowest end.
● There are three steps leading up to another level at the rear of the chapterhouse.
● The height of the steps are 15 cm and the depth of the steps are 36 cm.
● There are no hand rails.
● The chapterhouse area consists of stone paving.
● The interior of the chapterhouse is shown below.
Dogs
● Both assistance dogs and pet dogs are allowed. Please keep on a lead.
● Dog bowls are available at the front entrance of the visitor centre.
● Dogs are allowed in the café. Pet dogs are not allowed in the Rose Room.
● There are bins available for disposing of poo bags.
Toilets
● Toilets are located in the visitor centre.
● Separate male and female toilets.
● Gender inclusive accessible toilet.
● 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 assistance. 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.
Refreshments
● There is a café in the visitor centre.
● Sandwiches, cakes and bakes, hot food, and ice cream.
● Hot and cold drinks, milk alternatives available.
● High chairs are available.
● Counter service – but table service can be requested.
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