Exhibitions

The Parsonage is open 7 days a week: Monday to Sunday 9.30 - 16.00 |

On Sundays, all galleries will be free for you to see the exhibitions, but on other days the rooms may not be accessible. If you want to check ahead of your visit, please ring us on 0161 445 7661.

GALLERY 1 - JAMES BARNARD

James is a self‑taught artist originally from Bolton. Growing up in the 1960s, he developed a strong passion for art and hoped to continue his studies at art college, but life took him in other directions. Although work and family commitments limited the time he could devote to painting, his love of art never faded.

Around six years ago, James returned to painting with renewed focus, working first in pastels and acrylics before moving into oils. He now works confidently across mixed media, combining these materials to create expressive landscape pieces. Based in Didsbury, James and his wife Patricia are frequent visitors to the west of Ireland and Dublin. The dramatic coastline, shifting weather, and rich colour of the Irish landscape are central sources of inspiration in his work. In 2024, James was selected as a wildcard contestant on Landscape Artist of the Year, an experience that strengthened his confidence and encouraged him to begin producing work for exhibitions.

Working across pastel, acrylic, and oil, James brings together expressive mark‑making and atmospheric colour to capture the character of the places he knows best. His oil and acrylic paintings are created on stretched canvas and artboard, while his pastel works are produced on high‑quality paper. The time invested in each piece varies by medium: large oil paintings can take up to four weeks to complete, while pastel works are typically finished within a few days. This contrast in pace and technique is reflected in the exhibition, offering viewers a dynamic range of textures, moods, and artistic approaches.

James’ work continues to be shaped by his deep connection to the landscapes of Ireland and the familiar streets of Manchester — places that have long inspired his artistic journey.

STEVE PARLE & GALLERY 3 - MANCHESTER GRAPHICS CLUB

Manchester graphics Club, is a group collective of amateur artists who meet at the Parsonage every month for life drawing sessions. Members of the group also individually work in various media to carry out their love of doing art. They pain and draw a variety of subjects; including landscapes, portraits, buildings, people in oils, pastels, watercolours, pencil as well as life studies from our sessions.

150 years ago, two gentlemen from Manchester were on a train. One with his sketching gear was on his way to Dunham Massey to enjoy drawing out of doors.  As both were members of the Athenaeum Club, the other suggested a sketching group might be another activity the Athenaeum could include for its members.  And so, on the 8th of December 1876, the directors agreed to provide a room and support for an art and sketching club.  The Athenaeum Graphic Club was formed, the first amateur art club in the northwest.

The Club flourished over the years with a good and active membership, many exhibiting professionally and professional artists joining, particularly honorary members including LS Lowry and Emmanuel Levy. But the years pass and change inevitable.  The Athenaeum ceased to be the Club’s venue and the name changed to Manchester Graphic Club.  Two world wars reduced membership, but the Club continued to meet.  It was close to disbanding in the 1990’s, but survived to celebrate 125 years in 2001. 

We find ourselves today, a 150 years from that first session at the Athenaeum, at the historic Didsbury Parsonage enjoying its rooms for our sessions with an enthusiastic and talented group of people.  There is a future for the Club with an influx of new members and ideas looking ahead to the next celebration!

CORRIDOR - SESHI M

Every city is defined by its skyline, shaped by a distinctive collection of architectural forms, structures and spaces. From a distance, these buildings become familiar landmarks; however, when viewed differently, their architecture can reveal another identity.

Diagonal Deviations is a photographic exploration of Manchester’s modern architecture, moving away from conventional perspectives and embracing diagonal lines, unexpected angles and fragments of the built environment.

I am an amateur photographer shooting in projects and would like to explore and notice things. Prefer black and White. A landscape photographer at heart but evolving into contemporary genre adopting alternative process.