Previous Events

8.10.2026 – Philip Hughes told us all about his work, a portrait of David Hockney. Lindsay Pockert gave a very moving and personal background to her work “Let it Pour”. FOGO member Gouranga Gupta then talked about his work “Circe”. Finally, we learned more about another FOGO’s member’s work, “Cotton Town Comrade” by Lee Nolan. Unfortunately, Lee couldn’t make the evening so Chairman Roger Hindle gave the presentation on his behalf.

8.10.2026 – Philip Hughes told us all about his work, a portrait of David Hockney. Lindsay Pockert gave a very moving and personal background to her work “Let it Pour”. FOGO member Gouranga Gupta then talked about his work “Circe”. Finally, we learned more about another FOGO’s member’s work, “Cotton Town Comrade” by Lee Nolan. Unfortunately, Lee couldn’t make the evening so Chairman Roger Hindle gave the presentation on his behalf.

11.8.2026 – Jan Hicks gave us a fascinating behind‑the‑scenes look at the new Archives building on Ascroft Street. It was amazing to see how much work goes into preserving Oldham’s past.

11.8.2026 – Jan Hicks gave us a fascinating behind‑the‑scenes look at the new Archives building on Ascroft Street. It was amazing to see how much work goes into preserving Oldham’s past.

11.6.2026 – Members were invited to join the committee to reflect on what we’ve achieved in our first year. There was also a presentation by Sean Baggaley, Principal Arts & Heritage Officer, on the history of Gallery Oldham.

11.6.2026 – Members were invited to join the committee to reflect on what we’ve achieved in our first year. There was also a presentation by Sean Baggaley, Principal Arts & Heritage Officer, on the history of Gallery Oldham.

9.4.2026 – We enjoyed a chat with “Smoke & Mirrors” writer Jake Talbot and director Miranda Parker from the Dare to Know Theatre, who told us all about themselves, how they formed the group as well as the type of work and theatre they produce. We then went into the new central gallery in the JR Clynes building to watch the play.

9.4.2026 – We enjoyed a chat with “Smoke & Mirrors” writer Jake Talbot and director Miranda Parker from the Dare to Know Theatre, who told us all about themselves, how they formed the group as well as the type of work and theatre they produce. We then went into the new central gallery in the JR Clynes building to watch the play.

12.2.2026 – Linda Edwards is a local artist based in Saddleworth. Working mainly with oils, Linda’s work varies from local landscapes and traditions to commissioned portraits and abstract work. With a solo exhibition coming up at Gallery Oldham, Linda told us what we can expect to see in Gallery Four from 21st March. 

12.2.2026 – Linda Edwards is a local artist based in Saddleworth. Working mainly with oils, Linda’s work varies from local landscapes and traditions to commissioned portraits and abstract work. With a solo exhibition coming up at Gallery Oldham, Linda told us what we can expect to see in Gallery Four from 21st March. 

11.12.2025 – Members of Friends of Gallery Oldham were treated to an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the newly renamed JR Clynes building. Principal Arts & Heritage Officer, Sean Baggaley, guided us through the brand‑new gallery space and the impressive Council Chambers, it was a fascinating glimpse into how this historic library has been transformed for the future.

11.12.2025 – Members of Friends of Gallery Oldham were treated to an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the newly renamed JR Clynes building. Principal Arts & Heritage Officer, Sean Baggaley, guided us through the brand‑new gallery space and the impressive Council Chambers, it was a fascinating glimpse into how this historic library has been transformed for the future.

11.12.2025 – Members of Friends of Gallery Oldham were treated to an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the newly renamed JR Clynes building. Principal Arts & Heritage Officer, Sean Baggaley, guided us through the brand‑new gallery space and the impressive Council Chambers, it was a fascinating glimpse into how this historic library has been transformed for the future.

15.11.2025 – Our first ever art fair was a great success, with 18 exhibitors, a ‘Made By Members’ and raffle table there was plenty of wonderful work on display. Oldham Community Radio visited an interviewed  visitors and artists and we managed to raise lots of money for the gallery.

15.11.2025 – Our first ever art fair was a great success, with 18 exhibitors, a ‘Made By Members’ and raffle table there was plenty of wonderful work on display. Oldham Community Radio visited an interviewed  visitors and artists and we managed to raise lots of money for the gallery.

9.10.2025 – We had a really interesting talk and presentation by local artist and Friends member, Peter Stanaway. As well as discussing his career in art and his instantly recognisable style, he told us how he was supported and encouraged by his late wife and other family members. Gallery Oldham has a number of Peter’s paintings such as ‘Now the Mill Has Gone’ which was on display last night.

9.10.2025 – We had a really interesting talk and presentation by local artist and Friends member, Peter Stanaway. As well as discussing his career in art and his instantly recognisable style, he told us how he was supported and encouraged by his late wife and other family members. Gallery Oldham has a number of Peter’s paintings such as ‘Now the Mill Has Gone’ which was on display last night.

8.7.2025 – Members visited the Working Class Movement Library for a fascinating tour by volunteer Ken who has a wealth of knowledge about the contents and their history.

8.7.2025 – Members visited the Working Class Movement Library for a fascinating tour by volunteer Ken who has a wealth of knowledge about the contents and their history.

12.6.2025 – Members were invited to join the committee to reflect on what we’ve achieved in our first year. There was also an opportunity to use, discuss and handle some of the items in the Gallery’s extensive ceramics collection.

12.6.2025 – Members were invited to join the committee to reflect on what we’ve achieved in our first year. There was also an opportunity to use, discuss and handle some of the items in the Gallery’s extensive ceramics collection.

10.4.2025 – Unfortunately Rebecca wasn’t able to attend, we went ahead with the event and Sean Baggerley talked briefly about the historical connection between Oldham and Kagoshima before we moved into the New Life in an Old Building exhibition where he described the opening of the Library and Art Gallery in 1883 and the renovation. We had a chance to socialise over Japanese food and drink. This will be rescheduled.

10.4.2025 – Unfortunately Rebecca wasn’t able to attend, we went ahead with the event and Sean Baggerley talked briefly about the historical connection between Oldham and Kagoshima before we moved into the New Life in an Old Building exhibition where he described the opening of the Library and Art Gallery in 1883 and the renovation. We had a chance to socialise over Japanese food and drink. This will be rescheduled.

5.2.2025 – Members were invited by Natural History Curator Patricia Francis to join local naturalist groups for an event in the Minute to Midnight exhibition. Rebecca Chesney talked about her artwork about endangered bird species, Patricia talked about taxidermy and Tony Farkas from The Worm House demonstrated his plastic eating super worms.

5.2.2025 – Members were invited by Natural History Curator Patricia Francis to join local naturalist groups for an event in the Minute to Midnight exhibition. Rebecca Chesney talked about her artwork about endangered bird species, Patricia talked about taxidermy and Tony Farkas from The Worm House demonstrated his plastic eating super worms.

12.12.2024 – There was an opportunity for Christmas shopping from our Made by Members stall including an auction for paintings by Paul Wilson and Peter Stanaway. Members were also able to see our first gift to Gallery Oldham hanging in Gallery One (Cliff Murphy’s ‘Oldham Coliseum’).

12.12.2024 – There was an opportunity for Christmas shopping from our Made by Members stall including an auction for paintings by Paul Wilson and Peter Stanaway. Members were also able to see our first gift to Gallery Oldham hanging in Gallery One (Cliff Murphy’s ‘Oldham Coliseum’).

14.11.2024 – We held our first Made By Members sale in the foyer of Gallery Oldham. As well as art for sale we raffled a painting of Oldham Parish Church by member Steve Whitworth.

14.11.2024 – We held our first Made By Members sale in the foyer of Gallery Oldham. As well as art for sale we raffled a painting of Oldham Parish Church by member Steve Whitworth.

10.10.2024 – A behind the scenes look at the exhibition. Exhibiting artists Kathryn Gow, Diana Terry Steve Whitworth Hugh Winterbottom Titus Agbara Barbara and Peter Fallas talked about their art practice and the background to the artworks they are exhibiting.

10.10.2024 – A behind the scenes look at the exhibition. Exhibiting artists Kathryn Gow, Diana Terry Steve Whitworth Hugh Winterbottom Titus Agbara Barbara and Peter Fallas talked about their art practice and the background to the artworks they are exhibiting.

10.10.2024 – A behind the scenes look at the exhibition. Exhibiting artists Kathryn Gow, Diana Terry Steve Whitworth Hugh Winterbottom Titus Agbara Barbara and Peter Fallas talked about their art practice and the background to the artworks they are exhibiting.

12.9.2024 – The Friends were given a chance to see the work being done to the old library. Thanks to Sean from Gallery Oldham and the team from contractors Tilbury Douglas.

12.9.2024 – The Friends were given a chance to see the work being done to the old library. Thanks to Sean from Gallery Oldham and the team from contractors Tilbury Douglas.

8.8.2024 – Sean Baggaley showed us some of his favourite items in the One Seven Five exhibition and then showed us round the art storeroom giving details and background of some of the items currently in storage, like this painting by Oldham artist Helen Bradley.

8.8.2024 – Sean Baggaley showed us some of his favourite items in the One Seven Five exhibition and then showed us round the art storeroom giving details and background of some of the items currently in storage, like this painting by Oldham artist Helen Bradley.