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28
Feb
Harrogate's leading artists prepare for pop-up contemporary art fair
After living in Liverpool and New York, Harrogate might seem comparatively dull and uninspiring to artist Candie Payne.
But although the town might not be as vibrant, Candie says it has a thriving arts scene and is a great place to be.
Candie, who is a singer that has collaborated with the likes of Paul Weller and David Byrne as well as a figurative artist, moved to the town in 2018 and works in a studio at the home she shares with her painter partner Thomas James Butler.
“Liverpool is full of creatives and students but in some ways it was more difficult to build a community for artists,” she says. “Musicians — not a problem. But there wasn’t a central focal point for artists.”
Candie was first drawn to Harrogate when Red House Originals owner Richard McTague invited her to take part in an exhibition at his gallery on Cheltenham Mount in 2016.
She soon discovered Red House was more than a place to display and sell art — it was also the artistic hub she craved.
She says:
Richard started the gallery when he was young and has done amazing things. He organises openings that feel like proper events where you can meet and talk to other artists about their work. Nothing is more inspiring than being able to talk to other artists and see their work. Richard organised a Banksy exhibition in Harrogate — he’s always trying new things.
Candie Payne. Pic: Chris Morrison
Famous names
Red House has become synonymous with exhibitions featuring some of the most talented artists in northern England.
It adds a sprinkling of big-name glamour to the programme by also hosting exhibitions by the likes of Jim Moir, formerly known as comedian Vic Reeves, and Horace Panter, the ex-bass player in The Specials.
Candie, whose two brothers are professional musicians, is no stranger to famous artists of all hues having worked in the music industry for many years.
Her 2007 debut album I Wish I Could Have Loved You More reached number 56 in the charts and in 2008 she toured with Mark Ronson on his Versions tour, before channelling her creative energy into art.
Paul Weller agreed to provide backing vocals when she did a cover version of his song 22 Dreams. What was that like?
He was lovely. He’s a gentleman, stylish and self-contained. He has a very soulful voice but he sang softly so he wasn’t overpowering me, which was a humble and lovely thing to do because it was his song and he gave me space to make it my song. That tells you everything you need to know about him.
A lithographic print by Candie.
Pop-up art fair
Candie has started writing music again after modulating to art, but the latter remains her current focus.
She has had two solo exhibitions at Red House and next weekend will take part in the gallery’s first pop-up contemporary art fair, which celebrates some of the finest young and emerging artists working today and has a focus on creatives from around Harrogate.
The one-day fair on Saturday (March 7) gives people the chance to meet artists and buy signed original art and prints. Prices will range from £35 to £3,000.
Candie says:
There’s no snobbery around it. We all want to make it accessible and affordable without lowering the standard. This is a great opportunity and we want to do more stuff like it in Harrogate.
Candie Payne Pic: Robin Clewley
Candie's mood darkens when she discusses recent political rhetoric about axing funding for “dead-end” university courses. “Dead-end means artistic,” she says. “Art has never been valued, it’s been treated as something you should do in your spare time and that’s so back to front”.
Art, she says, has even greater value in an era of artificial intelligence. “Authenticity resonates with people,” she says.
For her, Harrogate helps to provide this. “It’s without question one of the most beautiful parts of the world," she says. "Just walking in the dales can spark inspiration.”
More details of Red House's pop-up art fair are available here.
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