Current Exhibition

Ruth Wharton

Ruth’s work is rooted in a deep engagement with the Pennine landscape. Having drawn all her life, she has a particular affinity for charcoal, valuing its responsiveness to the hand in creating expressive lines that capture the character of this landscape. Over the last fifteen years she has also focused on etching, particularly aquatint techniques, which require a more contemplative approach that complements the intuitive nature of her charcoal work. Her etchings combine creativity with technical skill, and she embraces the medium’s inherent unpredictability. Central to her practice is the commitment to draw on site rather than from photographs, ensuring a direct, embodied connection to the landscape that informs both her charcoal drawings and her more considered etchings. 

The Gallery Open Days

The Gallery will re open on Saturday 14th February 2026 with a Launch Tea Party 2-4pm for exhibition of ‘Drawings and Etchings by Ruth Wharton’ this exhibition will run until 5th April. Exhibition Open Sunday 22 February /Saturday 7 March ,please check website for updates for further times. Other times by appointment info@sarahnelsonstudio.co.uk

Coldberry by Ruth Wharton

Ruth Wharton Biography

Ruth Wharton studied Fine Art at Kingston College of Art (BA Hons 2:1, 1968-72), exhibiting at New Contemporaries, ICA London in 1972 and later at the Aegean School of Fine Art in Paros, Greece. She has taught art and English as a Foreign Language, and ran an artisan food business importing Greek products – all work that sustained her family as a single parent. In 2008, she returned to her art practice, mastering etching techniques largely independently. Her work has been exhibited at Hotbed Press Salford, Warrington Museum and Art Gallery, Blossom Street Gallery York, Gallery Northwest Brampton and Kirkcarrion Gallery, Middleton in Teesdale.Ruth Wharton studied Fine Art at Kingston College of Art (BA Hons 2:1, 1968-72), exhibiting at New Contemporaries, ICA London in 1972 and later at the Aegean School of Fine Art in Paros, Greece. She has taught art and English as a Foreign Language, and ran an artisan food business importing Greek products – all work that sustained her family as a single parent. In 2008, she returned to her art practice, mastering etching techniques largely independently. Her work has been exhibited at Hotbed Press Salford, Warrington Museum and Art Gallery, Blossom Street Gallery York, Gallery Northwest Brampton and Kirkcarrion Gallery, Middleton in Teesdale.