Cornerstone Kettering

Specialists have been carefully using a steam cleaning process to slowly lift away all that grime while being sympathetic to our heritage buildings.

The first photo was taken in August this year... Three months later, and it's already showing remarkable results☺️

As part of the renovation of our Grade II listed buildings, we’re having a clean ✨

Since 1913, the Gallery’s sign has looked across Sheep Street and 112 years’ of soot and smog have taken their toll. Traffic, Kettering’s industrial past, and trains from the railway station have all left a mark.
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Doodler's Art Club will return for monthly sessions in the new year, but until then we have FREE winter-themed activities available on select Saturdays throughout December👉 bit.ly/4iWSRgn

We had such a great time at Doodler's Art Club on Saturday ☺️ We were inspired by Alfred East Gallery's collection, made our artworks of our own, and got cosy next to Kettering Library's Christmas tree🎄

Thanks to all the doodlers who came along!

Congratulations to Daniel Kelly, winner of 2025's Rose Bowl Award

Each year, Kettering Civic Society recognises a local organisation or individual for their work in promoting civic pride in our town. Daniel was chosen for his paintings of William Knibb.

A talented local artist ☺️

Hi Alan. This is undated unfortunately, but we know it was exhibited in the 1890s so its a safe bet that it originates from that decade.

We're not sure who the gentleman is, but he's got the right idea in this cold - he's sat on top of the grill where our heating comes from, keeping nice and warm☺️

A look inside Alfred East Gallery in the late 1970s for #FlashbackFriday 👀

The annual exhibition from @kdas_1905 is underway, showcasing the best local artists of the time. The exhibition catalogue is a whole TEN PENCE and visitors are pointedly reminded there's no smoking in the Gallery🚭

As we prepare for sub zero temperatures, we're thinking of Sir Alfred East and his love of the changing seasons. His etching, A Winter's Night, captures the darkness of colder months and a hint of snow on the rooftops

We've always been fond of his etchings❤️There are over 40 in Alfred East Gallery

HOME | Michael Harrison

Michael's exhibition runs until 28th November. You can find the Shoosmith at Delapré Abbey and its FREE entry. We're looking forward to visiting next week☺️

👨‍🎨 www.mfharrisonart.co.uk
🖼️ www.shoosmithgallery.org/news

A burst of summer colours on this dreary grey day🌞

Michael Harrison's exhibition at The Shoosmith Gallery opened this week, giving us the perfect excuse to share his oil painting, "High Summer". Donated to Alfred East Gallery in 2013, its the perfect antidote to today's downpour.
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Walking down Sheep Street... and what's this?👀

A new screen has been installed, reminding people of the services provided by Kettering Library and Alfred East Gallery. A little slideshow highlights exhibitions and events from recent years... and there will be lots more to come☺️

Remember, remember the fifth of November🎆🎇

In 1980, Nicola Perkins won first prize in Group 1 of the Young Artists' exhibition for this drawing. Her prize? Four whole pounds!😲

Forty five years later and "I Enjoy Guy Fawkes Night" is still part of Alfred East Gallery's collection❤️

If you’re walking down Sheep Street, spare a thought for the 2 Darrens and Jason👷‍♂️

They’re on the roof of Kettering Library and Alfred East Gallery, using traditional methods to restore our Grade II Listed buildings

The first slates are on. Our journey towards reopening continues.

We are one step closer towards reopening - the first Collyweston slates were installed onto the roof of Kettering Library this week.

Work is progressing well under the tent👷‍♂️The restoration of Kettering’s heritage buildings is beginning to take shape.

More details👉 bit.ly/4oQugwi

Ey up mi duck!👋

It's Northamptonshire Day on Saturday and we're representing Kettrin' 😎 Celebrate the county with us in Northampton's Market Square from 1pm

Local food & drink😋Live music🎶Family fun🕺

See you there me ol' booty👍

discover-northamptonshire.co.uk/northants-day
#NorthamptonshireDay

The streets around us may be different, but some things don't change. We spoke to John recently and he is now in his 93rd year - still framing artworks and producing prints from his home in Desborough.

The street was already being redeveloped by then and was likely produced from an earlier image. John is a keen member of Friends of Kettering Art Gallery and Museum, drawing Kettering scenes many times, and has framed works by other artists in the collection.
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This view down Workhouse Lane (now Dryden Street) reveals how much Kettering's streets have changed over time.

Part of Alfred East Gallery's collection, it was drawn by John Blackwell in 1986.
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There's 4 of us here, but our larger artworks need a minimum of 6 people💪

We can't wait to flex our muscles and install exhibitions again when the Gallery reopens in 2026❤️

#FlashbackFriday January 2019, and we're installing the Prints Charming exhibition in Alfred East Gallery 🖼️

This photo captures the hanging of In Mevagissey Harbour by Frank Jowett. Its gilt frame requires heavy lifting and careful manoeuvring.
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We're excited to be representing Kettering at this year's Northamptonshire Day🎉

📅Sat 25th Oct from 1pm
📍Northampton Market Square

The Museum and Gallery team will be in the Heritage Zone, showcasing Kettering's collections.

👉 discover-northamptonshire.co.uk/northants-day

#NorthamptonshireDay

Meet Jon 👷‍♂️

A lead plumber for 40 yrs, Jon has been to some unexpected places. From making King Richard III’s new coffin, to restoring the golden Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, he's spent his career conserving heritage

And now he’s in Kettering. The Library’s roof is in safe hands😊

What happens when two Grade II listed buildings need their roofs replaced? See for yourself in our virtual tour:

📽️ bit.ly/4h5RSdF

A chance to see the latest progress on the restoration project of Alfred East Gallery and Kettering Library

@nnorthantscouncil.bsky.social

A typical East landscape, large and beautiful, it measures over two metres wide.

Donated by the artist when Alfred East Gallery was built, we've looked after it here for 112 years ❤

Did you catch a glimpse of last night's Harvest Moon?✨

Alfred East loved the changing seasons. He would have relished the chance to paint last night's moon. This oil painting, "Misty Moonrise", was created during the month of October somewhere in France.
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The existing timber is in good condition with little evidence of decay. The Library - a key part of Kettering’s heritage – is now ready for the next step towards a new roof.

@nnorthantscouncil.bsky.social

Open to the elements, the roof of Kettering Library is looking very different.

As we head into Autumn, work can continue under the tent whatever the weather. The Collyweston slate has now been completely removed and the timber beneath is entirely exposed.
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We'll be celebrating the county's heritage at this year's Northamptonshire Day🎉

Find the teams from Alfred East Gallery and Manor House Museum at Northampton's Market Square on Saturday 25th October 😊

More details👉https://discover-northamptonshire.co.uk/northants-day/

Plywood structures are now in place, ready for the new stainless-steel roof - protecting Kettering’s art collection for many years to come.

Latest round-up👉https://bit.ly/4p1ulOm

@nnorthantscouncil.bsky.social