The Old Lock Up Gallery provides an opportunity for artist residencies approximately 5 times a year - the week long residencies or retreats - whichever way you wish to frame them are available through a simple application process and during 2025 will cost £495 for 7 days inc overnight stays.

The gallery offers a unique and enabling space for art, creativity and contemplation - nestled in a nook, with it’s own private courtyard, away from the hustle and bustle of the busy village the lock up is a spacious and peaceful space.

Equipped with lighting, log burning stove, a small kitchenette tucked away in a cupboard and a separate toilet/wash basin. With original oak floors, beams and beautiful natural lighting it makes a perfect space for artists to spend 7 days working intently on an ongoing project or new ideas/ways of working.

Comford itself has everything you’ll need for a week long stay inc village grocery store, cafes, pubs and places to eat, post office, hardware shop and a fabulous bookshop with 3 floors of books inc an art room and veggie/vegan cafe.

For artists who are looking for inspiration from the landscape we are surrounded by beautiful countryside and there are public footpaths in every direction - step onto a path and you're soon out into the glorious countryside that is the Derbyshire Dales, we are also nestled on the very edge of the Peak District National Park: just 10 minutes away in the car.

The residencies include 24/7 access to the gallery space and you’ll have your own set of keys for easy access to the building.

The residencies take place between exhibitions and prior to arriving the space will be cleared and made ready for you - there are ample tables for working from, 2 easels and 2 comfy arm chairs too.

We can also attach batons to the wall if you wish to pin work to them etc. You’ll also be provided with a comfortable large double room to stay in for the full 7 nights, this is in the gallery owners home and further information can be provided on request.

The images here are from Tansy Lee Moir’s residency in May 2023 - Tansy was our 5th artist in residence and you can read all about her experience via a blog here; Reflections on The Old Lock Up Residency

Stella Trip completed her residency with us in 2022, here’s Stella’s testimonial:

‘The space has a really nice feel to it. Possibly any large empty space would feel full of potential and encourage experimentation - the Old Lock Up certainly does… I put in a lot of hours, but still didn’t manage to complete the large work which is now up on my home studio wall. It’s interesting to me how different it feels to work on it in this different space.  During lockdown my work became mostly small and working on this large scale feels very liberating and rejuvenating.  Responding to a new space and situation brought back memories of other spaces I have worked in as well as opening up new avenues of thought and insights about myself and my work. It also felt like a bit of a challenge - which I was pleased to engage with and am happy with my creative response, making work that I would never have made without this opportunity. A comfortable “home” space was provided, a short (very scenic) walk away in Rachael’s house. Rachael is an ideal host - welcoming, helpful and friendly without being intrusive in any way.  The bedroom has a super comfortable bed, and easy access to the bathroom. 

I feel extremely lucky and grateful to have experienced this retreat style, self directed residency.’

Available dates 2025:

March 30th - April 5th 

May 30th - June 5th - Booked/no longer available

Aug 8th - Aug 14th

Sept 11th - Sept 17th

Sept 22nd - Sept 28th

Costs: £495 - secured with a deposit of £100 and then 2 payment options: remaining balance paid 4 weeks prior to start of residency or 6 monthly payments - total to be paid by 4 weeks prior to the start of the residency.

Deadline for applications: 31st July 2024.