Wildlife artist Jules Chabeaux has become the first artist to take advantage of a new initiative to encourage and support local artists by providing pop-up exhibition spaces to display their work at Peak Village in Rowsley.
Based in Trusley, Derbyshire, Jules Chabeaux’s Wild Britain Collection features oil-based coloured pencil artworks of native wildlife such as foxes, and hares and aims to bring out each animal’s character and soul. “I am fiercely protective of wildlife so Peak Village is a great opportunity for me to show my work and talk with visitors to highlight issues around protection and conservation. From all of the sales I make, I’m donating 10% to Derbyshire Wildlife Trust which is working hard to protect wildlife.”
Peak Village is already home to a nature reserve run in partnership with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. Open to visitors and the local community, the reserve, which sits alongside the banks of the River Derwent, has become home to a growing population of wildlife, plants and species.
Katayune Jacquin, site manager at Peak Village: “We were really excited to welcome Jules with her pop-up gallery. The exhibition has been very well received by visitors who have a shared love and respect for wildlife. It can be hard for local artists and makers to find suitable spaces at an affordable price so I hope to hear from others looking for opportunities to display their work.
“Offering space to artists or small retail pop-ups is a great way for Peak Village to support small local businesses whilst giving customers something new and interesting to see and experience. We will be looking to activate any free space we have with more pop-up shops and galleries, workshops and events throughout 2023.”
Peak Village actively welcomes independent retail brands and businesses with a strong local connection and in the past year has added Coghlans Food and Wine Experience Centre, Wild Olive, Lambs Cakes and Bakes, and the new dining and retail concept Chatsworth Kitchen, which have all proved popular with visitors and driven increased footfall.
Situated in the village of Rowsley on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Peak Village is home to nearly 20 retail and leisure businesses and employs between 80 and 100 people. Significant investment over the past two years has enabled the site to continue growing, following its purchase in 2021 by the Devonshire Group, the company that represents the interests of the Devonshire family at nearby Chatsworth.