Art School Alchemy: Exhibition

Tuesday 23rd September — Friday 31st October

The Unity Theatre: September  –  October 2025

Private view Tuesday 23 September 4-6pm

A collection of artwork inspired by the ancient geology and the living textures of Saint James Garden, Liverpool.

The Art School Collective invite you to see St James Garden – not only as a place of sanctuary and a cemetery – but also as a source of colour with an ecology that connects generations.

Each painting is an experiment in transformation. Natural pigments, gathered from fragments of Triassic sandstone found in the garden were alchemised through careful artistic process.

The fusion of iron-rich minerals and pigments creates rich tonal ranges, seams, and traces, suggesting both the deep past and the vibrancy of present experience.

While discussing the language of colour, and the garden, Art School pupils titled the paintings collectively. The theme of The Liverpool Biennial this year intimated thoughts on unity, kindness, family, abundance, creativity, and gardens.

Established by artist and educator Jayne Seddon, during a residency at The LIPA School, Art School delivers fine art workshops for aspiring artists. A collection of photographs tells the story of some of the creative events delivered by Art School sited around the Anglican Cathedral, The Liverpool Oratory and St James Garden since 2015.

We would like to acknowledge the work of The Friends of Saint James Gardens for taking great care of this iconic space.

For all enquires, including workshops and commissions please contact Jayne via The Unity Theatre.