Steel, acid, and remote landscapes: Inside the raw new exhibition at Ironbridge Fine Arts
Ironbridge Fine Arts is being transformed this spring as six artists have brought a gritty, technical, and deeply personal collection of works to the heart of the Gorge.
While many art displays focus on the finished product, the Spring Exhibition 2026 at Ironbridge Fine Arts (running now until May 31st) feels more like a celebration of the process. From the industrial bite of steel-etched plates to the quiet "blind embossing" of natural forms, this isn't your standard watercolor show.
From Iceland to the Ironbridge Gorge
One of the standout narratives in the collection comes from Linda Barlow, whose work bridges the gap between the Shropshire landscape and the "edge of the world." Her abstract compositions are born from lived experiences in the remote reaches of Iceland, Shetland, and the Irish coast. It’s a journey from the wild Atlantic to the banks of the Severn.
The Art of the Machine
For those who appreciate the technical side of creation, Dave Gunning’s contributions are a highlight. Using steel-etched plates and intaglio etchings, Gunning showcases a mastery of printmaking that feels perfectly at home in the industrial cradle of Ironbridge.
He is joined by Austė Skardžiukaitė-Kabašinskienė, whose meticulous layered prints are informed by anatomical study, and Jacqui Dodds, who uses silkscreen and lino cuts to find beauty in the "overlooked" elements of our built environment.
A Modern Mix
The exhibition is rounded out by the textured, mixed-media "spontaneity" of Rob Leckey and the contemplative Wessex landscapes of Rob Pountney.
Whether you are an art aficionado or just a weekend stroller looking for a cultural stop on The Wharfage, the Spring Exhibition offers a rare look at the physical dialogue between an artist and their materials.
Visit the Exhibition
Where: Ironbridge Fine Arts, The Wharfage, Ironbridge, TF8 7DQ.
When: Open now until 31st May 2026.
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday (10am–5pm), Sunday (11am–4pm).
