The Straw Yard

19/10/2026

Exploring art in London…
The Straw Yard Team member Oli was fortunate enough to explore Tim Walker’s current exhibition at The National Portrait Gallery, London.
Oli went to see Fairyland, Tim Walker’s exploration of q***r identity, community, and love.
Oli saw some familiar faces, linking to our home town of Berwick-upon-Tweed! Did you know that our recent Artist in Residence, Paddy Hartley has had some of his pieces photographed by the legendary Tim Walker in the past, these can be seen in W magazine.
This exhibition featured Douglas Stuart, who we recently saw in conversation at Holy Trinity Church, an event that we collaborated on with Berwick Literary Festival & The Book Loft.
Oli also spotted new Ayton neighbour, Alan Carr!
Great to see some North East representation!

17/10/2026

THURSDAY 22nd OCTOBER!
Mountain Song is a hard-driving bluegrass duo bringing the sound of the genre’s golden era back to the stage. Will Greenway and James Hickman deliver tight harmony singing and masterful guitar work, rooted firmly in early Appalachian tradition. Historically accurate and sharply played, this is bluegrass with grit, wit, and real bite.
About the event
DOORS OPEN: 7:00pm
FIRST ACT: 7:30pm
SECOND ACT: 8:45pm
APPROXIMATE FINISH TIME: 9:30pm
BOOK NOW:
www.thestrawyard.co.uk
Mountain Song

14/10/2026

13/10/2026

BODY OF MEMORY: A RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION
BY PADDY HARTLEY
FREE EXHIBITION AT THE STRAW YARD
NO BOOKING NECESSARY
OPENING TIMES:
11am - 4pm each day
Gates close at 4pm
There will be refreshments available to purchase from The Straw Yard bar.
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.
CONTENT WARNING: artwork themes will address facial injury/surgery.
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.
www.thestrawyard.co.uk

12/10/2026

THE EXHIBITION IS OPEN!
Body of Memory: A Retrospective Exhibition by Paddy Hartley
13 - 17 Oct | The Straw Yard
Thirty-five years of exploring the intersections of science, medicine, history, memory and the human body.
Paddy Hartley’s incredibly moving and inspiring exhibition is at The Straw Yard now!
Don’t miss this!
It is on from Tuesday, 13th to Saturday, 17th October. The gates and exhibition will be open from 11am to 4pm each day.
www.thestrawyard.co.uk
Paddy Hartley | Artist
Paddy Hartley | Ceramic Artist
Thank you
Northumberland County Council
Create Berwick
Bodhi Turnbull
Sarah | Brand Photographer | Northumberland & Borders
Oli Brooks

12/10/2026

THIS WEEK!
Body of Memory: A Retrospective Exhibition
By Paddy Hartley!
13th - 17th October
11am - 4pm each day
(Gates close at 4pm)
Come and see this incredible (free) exhibition at The Straw Yard. Paddy is our Artist in Residence and will be onsite on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday.
There will be refreshments available to purchase from The Straw Yard bar.
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.
CONTENT WARNING: artwork themes will address facial injury/surgery.
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.
www.thestrawyard.co.uk
Paddy Hartley | Ceramic Artist
Paddy Hartley | Artist

09/10/2026

EXHIBITION REMINDER!
BODY OF MEMORY: A RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION
BY PADDY HARTLEY
FREE EXHIBITION AT THE STRAW YARD
NO BOOKING NECESSARY
13th - 17th October
OPENING TIMES: 11am - 4pm each day
(Gates close at 4pm)
There will be refreshments available to purchase from The Straw Yard bar.
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.
See you there!
www.thestrawyard.co.uk
Paddy Hartley | Ceramic Artist
Paddy Hartley | Artist

05/10/2026

📚 And so it begins…
The Berwick Literary Festival has started and we are so excited to be collaborating with them for another brilliant year!
For more information about what’s on at The Straw Yard and beyond, head to:
www.berwickliteraryfestival.com
Berwick Literary Festival
You can download this year’s programme from their website OR come and collect one in-person!
Whilst at The Straw Yard, why not stay for a drink!
The Straw Yard bar & toilets will be open from 10am - 4pm throughout the festival! (5th - 11th Oct)
See you soon!