Body of Memory: A Retrospective Exhibition by Paddy Hartley

THIS IS AN INFORMATION PAGE FOR PADDY HARTLEY’S EXHIBITION.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THIS EXHIBITION, IT’S FREE.

HOWEVER, YOU MAY MAKE A CHARITABLE DONATION TO THE BERWICK & DISTRICT CANCER SUPPORT GROUP - BERWICK CANCER CARS. HEAD TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE TO MAKE A DONATION OF YOUR CHOOSING.

• 13TH - 17TH OCTOBER - 2026

BODY OF MEMORY: A RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION

BY PADDY

FREE EXHIBITION AT THE STRAW YARD

NO BOOKING NECESSARY

SUGGESTED DONATION

*To make a charitable donation head to the bottom of this page.

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OPENING TIMES: 11am - 4pm each day

Gates close at 4pm

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There will be refreshments available to purchase from The Straw Yard bar.

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Body of Memory presents a rare opportunity to see and handle a selection of Paddy Hartley’s embroidered fabric work revealing the personal histories of First World War servicemen who underwent pioneering facial reconstructive surgery and the politics of memorialisation.

Through sculpture and historical research, Hartley considers the body and garments he uses, as a record of experience, and explores how the individual stories of men transformed by war are preserved, reconstructed and absorbed into collective memory.

Hartley will also present his film Papaver Rhoeas, which documents the creation of remembrance-themed poppies made from lambs’ heart tissue. His is a unique reimagining of one of the most recognisable symbols of remembrance using biological material and inspired by the politicisation of remembrance. Shifting the focus from the familiar language of commemoration towards the physical reality of mortality, sacrifice and loss.

Together, the works explore the relationship between personal history and collective remembrance, asking not simply how we remember those affected by conflict, but who and what is remembered, how those memories are constructed, reconstructed, and what might be lost in the process.

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CONTENT WARNING: artwork themes will address facial injury/surgery.

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To note: Although we are a dog friendly venue, we ask that customers please refrain from bringing their dogs to any of the Artist in Residence with Paddy Hartley events. Thank you for your understanding. 

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

at The Straw Yard

PADDY HARTLEY

Welcome to Artist in Residence at The Straw Yard with Paddy Hartley.

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October sees us collaborating with multidisciplinary artist, Paddy Hartley. You will have the opportunity to learn from, hear about and work with Paddy as we offer you a variety of experiences. From an intimate interview with Q&A, to an introductory workshop, and an exhibition, plus a full day intensive workshop. This residency offers you the chance to immerse yourself in Paddy’s creative world.

As well as supporting the local creative community you’ll learn new skills, meet new people and have a laugh at the same time.

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WEBSITE:

www.paddy-hartley.com 

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INSTAGRAM:

@paddyhartleyartist

@paddyhartleyceramics

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In August 2024, Paddy was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and is currently in remission. Throughout his cancer journey, Cancer Cars provided invaluable support, helping to make a profoundly challenging period that little bit easier to manage. We are therefore using this residency to highlight The Berwick & District Cancer Support Group - “Cancer Cars”. 

Please have a read of the information below to see if you’d like to make a donation. There are two ways in which you can donate during this residency, either when booking a ticket via The Straw Yard website, or you will have the option to make a cash donation in-person at The Straw Yard, specifically during Paddy’s events.

The Berwick & District Cancer Support Group

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"Berwick Cancer Cars"

The Berwick and District Cancer Support Group was founded in 1992 by two women from Spittal, Violet Carter and Kathleen Horsburgh, who were having difficulty accessing their cancer treatment in hospitals over 60 miles away. With exceptional organisation the group grew rapidly and received charitable status in 1994. From having one car the charity now has six and has grown to be one of the finest examples of a community-based charity in the country.

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Living in a remote rural area makes it both difficult and expensive for cancer patients and many people would turn down their treatment if they could not access transport. Patients can easily self-refer but we also have an excellent relationship with other organisations who use our services to ensure all cancer sufferers are aware of what we do. The Berwick area is not highly populated but covers a large geographical area (about 20 miles to the west and 25 miles to the south of the main town, Berwick-upon-Tweed). Through the generosity of our supporters, we can offer free transport for those with a cancer diagnosis from Berwick and the surrounding areas to attend their cancer related appointments.

Each year our volunteer team help hundreds of clients to reach their appointments in comfort, safety and without worry to them or their families and loved ones.

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For more information about the charity, please head to there website:

https://berwickcancersupport.co.uk/about-us/

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE - PADDY HARTLEY - EVENTS LIST:

• Saturday, 3rd October: 7pm - 9:15pm

  CONFESSIONS OF AN ARTIST: IN CONVERSATION WITH PADDY HARTLEY

  BOOKING ESSENTIAL

  https://www.thestrawyard.co.uk/event-details/confessions-of-an-artist-in-conversation-with-paddy-hartley

• Tuesday, 13th October: 6pm - 8:30pm

  AN INTRODUCTION TO KURINUKI CERAMICS - AN EVENING WORKSHOP (PART OF THE WORKSHOP SERIES)

  BOOKING ESSENTIAL

  https://www.thestrawyard.co.uk/event-details/the-workshop-series-an-introduction-to-black-kurinuki-ceramics

• Tuesday, 13th - 17th October: 11am - 4pm each day

  BODY OF MEMORY: A RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION BY PADDY

  FREE EXHIBITION WITH SUGGESTED DONATION

  
  

• Friday, 18th October: 11am - 4pm

  ADVANCED KURINUKI GEOLOGY WORKSHOP: CERAMIC BOX MAKING - FULL DAY WORKSHOP

  BOOKING ESSENTIAL

  https://www.thestrawyard.co.uk/event-details/one-day-ceramics-workshop-advanced-kurinuki-geology-workshop-ceramic-box-making

To note: Although we are a dog friendly venue, we ask that customers please refrain from bringing their dogs to any of the Artist in Residence with Paddy Hartley events. Thank you for your understanding.