We used to live in Richmond (North Yorkshire). Our children grew up there and went to school there. Our daughter was married in our local village and we had the wedding reception in our garden. Richmond has many happy memories for our family and will no doubt be held as a forever special place for all of us.

Saving Richmond Station was a project we were all involved in, in one form or another. Back in the days before it became the social hub; gallery, cinema and restaurant that we know and enjoy today. In fact, when we first moved to Richmond, back in 2000, it was a really badly run down garden centre cum hardware store.

It became vacant following many years of 'ownership' (tenancy) and the building was in an appalling state of disrepair. A community project eventually arose after the listed station had stood empty for some time. They put forward plans to save and restore the beautiful Victorian railway station to its former glory. Ideas were considered to create a social hub for the people of the town - which was badly needed. Money was raised in all manner of ways and many people became involved over time. A committee of local people was set up to run and oversee the project. They had to come up with ideas for its best use - in a manner that would benefit both the local community and also encourage tourists to come and visit.

Our children can remember being asked at school, how they best felt the building could be used. Apparently a skating rink was amongst the kids' wishes - as well a cinema. I can recall at one point, there were horror stories of a private buyer wanting to create a night club and bar restaurant. Fortunately, that never came to fruition and the idea that was eventually put forward to the planners, was one that has been of huge benefit to all. The cinema has been a massive hit with local people, and continues to thrive. The coffee shop and restaurant is almost always busy and the artisan shops and art gallery are a real treat.

I can remember thinking to myself, when the Station opened up as a gallery space, 'I'd love to exhibit here one day'. I was at University at the time, studying for my art degree. We did discuss the idea as a possible space for a group exhibition, but many of the students were based around Teesside and The Station sadly never came top of the list.

Anyway, time passes and things happen - and eventually myself and family moved to Weardale. Carl and I do still visit the cinema now and again, if there is a movie we'd like to see. The atmosphere in the Station is lovely, and we much prefer it to the larger commercial cinemas.

I've remained on the station mailing list all along, so when an opportunity arose to exhibit on the mezzanine gallery in February 2017, I jumped at the chance! We were actually away on holiday in Thailand at the time and were relaxing around the pool on the particular day that the email arrived in my inbox. Had we been at home, full of busy, it is very likely I would have let the opportunity pass me by. I suppose it was perhaps a turn of fate that I had time on my hands and was able to grab the opportunity! And not consider the wider implications of organising a solo art exhibition at a time when we had so much else going on!

Anyhow, February came hurtling around - very fast! We are still mid a renovation project at home, so things are very hectic just now. I must confess, I did email Thea, (Gallery Manager), to say I wasn't going to make it. But, after being given a stern talking to by my daughter, I decided I would 'get my shit together' (sorry!), and get this solo exhibition off the ground despite other complications.

The past few weeks have been pretty manic. And amongst all of that, our beautiful dalmatian Jess was put to sleep due to illness. So, to say it was stressful is a bit of an understatement. My daughter and I laughed at the fact that I was up 'til the wee small hours for days before the hang, trying to tie up loose ends and finish off several pieces of work to a standard for exhibiting. It reminded us both of our days of Uni deadlines. We are both dreadful procrastinators and invariably, this was our way of working - right up to the final hand in hour! Yes, it certainly had that feel about it ;)

So, the 17th February arrived and the exhibition was finally hung. And I have to say, I am immensely pleased that I have done it! In just 2 days, I have sold 3 pieces of my work - which is an absolute delight to me. It's not about the money (although of course, that is a huge bonus!), but to think that people love my work enough to want to hang it on their walls at home, makes me feel very humble indeed.

After many years, I have finally achieved that exhibition at The Station. And I'm really enjoying it so far. I do hope, if you are local and can find time, you will go and visit - and perhaps leave a comment in my book. And if not, just having all the positive comments via social media, from friends and family, has been very uplifting. So thank you to those who have bolstered me at this time. I really appreciate it.

I could have cancelled. I could have said no. But I would have regretted doing so. I'm very pleased I pushed myself and finally got my work up there on the walls of the mezzanine gallery. Already, other opportunities are presenting themselves, so hopefully this may lead to more doors opening in the future. Who knows?

Moving Forward and Exhibiting at Richmond Station

Dawn Booth Wilson

Mad March

Try something new!

Moving on

Where to begin?

Be Brave!