Sadly, the coronavirus pandemic forced the postponement of the annual AppArt art exhibition and sculpture trail in 2020, but it is going ahead in 2021, taking place from 10 to 25 July. 

The respected contemporary art and sculpture trail AppArt, held in Godalming, Surrey, showcases the best in art and craftsmanship from a variety of skilled artists. It attracts interior designers and art lovers to view and purchase unique artworks in an inspiring Arts and Crafts setting. 

Contemporary art and design for sale

AppArt promotes everything from the traditional to the wacky in art and sculpture, representing a broad range of artists and sculptors from across the South-East of England for the two-week event. 

Organiser, Evelyn Phillips, is a respected and established interior designer and her trained eye ensures all the artworks selected are of the best quality, with something to suit every taste and interior space. 

Artworks for interior designers and art lovers

AppArt has grown each year and is a magnet for interior designers and individual art lovers, who can view the outdoor sculptures in a tranquil, garden setting and admire the many smaller sculptures, drawings and paintings indoors.

All media are represented, including a large collection of paintings in oils, acrylics, watercolour and pen, alongside art glass, textile sculptures and ceramic figures and forms. Outside, there is everything from large, cast sculptures to recycled metal pieces on display. 

Stained glass selected for AppArt

Among the many pieces at AppArt this year, I’m delighted to say that I will have four free-standing stained glass panels on show. This is the sixth year I have had work selected for the event and it is always worthwhile taking part. Overall, there are nearly 300 artists taking part and there will be 750 artworks to see.

The birth of AppArt

The vibrant art event began over 25 years ago as a one-week exhibition at King Edward’s School in Witley, Surrey, as part of a visual and performing arts event, the Vivartis Arts Festival. Gwyn Phillips worked at the school and was closely involved with its development. Surrey Sculpture Society introduced a sculpture trail two years later.

It continued at that location until 2012, when the school decided not to continue with the event and Evelyn and Gwyn took over and named the event AppArt. The 2012 and 2013 AppArt exhibitions were held in one of the glasshouses at Secrett’s Garden Centre in Milford, Surrey. Then in 2014 it moved to its current home at Prior’s Field School in Godalming, Surrey. 

Voysey and the Arts and Crafts style

The school provides a fitting backdrop to all the artworks, having been designed by the revered architect, Charles Francis Annesley Voysey, a leading practitioner in the Arts and Crafts Movement. The building was completed in 1900 and the gardens he laid out were planted in a sympathetic, Gertrude Jeykell style by the owners, Julia and Leonard Huxley. Julia opened the building as a Prior’s Field School in 1902.   

AppArt 2021 visitor information

Why not plan your own visit this summer? It is an excellent opportunity to treat yourself and your home or garden to some unique art to lift the spirits. It is lovely to wander round the grounds and the indoor display with friends and relatives, but remember to maintain social distancing and wear a mask indoors.

This year’s AppArt exhibition takes place from 10-25 July 2021. It is open from 10am – 4pm daily and entry is free. If you wish to visit on Opening Day (10 July) it is advisable to book a free space via this link as social distancing will be in place. On other days you can simply turn up. There is easy parking in the school grounds.

Prior’s Field School is in Priorsfield Road, Godalming, Surrey GU7 2RH.