Charlesworth artist to open studio and gallery to the public

A Charlesworth artist is preparing to welcome visitors into her home for the launch of a new Open Studio and Gallery later this summer.

Jane Fantom, who lives at Elf Cottage on Glossop Road, will open the doors of her former mill worker's cottage from 29th-31st August, between 10am and 4pm, giving visitors the chance to view her mixed media artwork in the unique setting where it is created.  

Although Jane has always enjoyed being creative, it was after retiring that she began restoring and selling 1960s sewing boxes through Etsy and at the Manchester Vintage Home Show. Her restoration work, which involved using vibrant fabrics and oils to enhance the wood grain, helped develop the skills she now applies to her artwork.  

She later returned to mixed media painting, creating pieces using sustainable materials including found photographs, alcohol inks, acrylics and birch plywood. Inspired by walks on the nearby moors with her dog, Jane draws on memories of the changing Peak District landscape, allowing the materials to shape the story behind each piece.  

Jane exhibited as part of Derbyshire Open Arts in 2025 from Elf Cottage, where the positive response from visitors inspired her to establish a permanent Open Studio and Gallery.  

The past year has been a busy one for the artist, who has taken part in six national group exhibitions, collaborated with Outside In Arts on its sustainability website, and helped organise the successful Glossop Open Arts exhibition at Bradbury House alongside nine other local artists.  

Ahead of the studio opening, Jane is also holding a solo exhibition at Hadfield Library until 15th August, where her work can be viewed during normal library opening hours. Her artwork is also displayed at the Artful Pigeon Gallery in Glossop and on her website: www.jfantomart.com