From farm to arts destination
The story of Patchings – and the family-run Vantom Village now writing its next chapter.
Barns, fields and a big idea
Patchings opened in 1988, when former farm buildings and fields near Calverton were transformed into an art centre by Liz and Chas Wood.
Where crops once grew, there were soon galleries in the old barns, a courtyard for visitors, gardens, lakes and woodland paths – a place built around the simple belief that art should be enjoyed in beautiful surroundings, by everyone.
For over three decades Patchings has welcomed artists and visitors to its Nottinghamshire grounds, becoming a much-loved place for art.
The story of Patchings
- 1987
The idea begins
Chas Wood begins a life in the world of art – the start of the story that would become Patchings.
- 1988
Patchings opens
Former farm buildings and fields near Calverton are transformed into an art centre by Liz and Chas Wood – barns become galleries, and open ground becomes gardens, lakes and trails.
- Growing
Galleries, workshops & trails
The Barn and Crew Yard Galleries host rotating exhibitions, art classes and workshops welcome all abilities, and a tree-lined Artists’ Trail leads visitors through the grounds.
- Annual
The Patchings Art Festival
The festival grows into one of the UK’s finest art, craft and design events, bringing hundreds of artists, makers and visitors to the Nottinghamshire countryside.
- Today
A new chapter: Vantom Village
Now under the care of the family behind Vantom Village, Patchings is being restored and developed into a broader destination for art, food, events, weddings and leisure.
- 2027
The Art Fest returns
Patchings Art Fest returns from Thursday 8 to Saturday 10 July 2027.
A home for artists and visitors
Galleries, art workshops, the Artists’ Trail and the long-standing Patchings Art Festival made the centre an important part of the region’s arts calendar – a place for artists to show their work, for beginners to pick up a brush, and for visitors to spend a day outdoors among creative people.
Throughout, the art centre has been a meeting place for the local community – somewhere to learn, to exhibit and to enjoy a day out in the countryside.
Patchings in pictures
Do you have photographs of Patchings from the past?
We’d love to add the story of the site in your pictures – old exhibitions, festivals, classes, family days out. Please get in touch and share your memories.
Vantom Village: a family-run future
Vantom Village is a family-run business. We are restoring and developing the property into a broader destination for art, food, events, weddings and leisure – while preserving the heritage of Patchings and bringing new life to it.
The art centre, the galleries, the classes and the Art Festival remain at the heart of the site, now joined by Italian dining at Merchant of Venice, a wedding and event venue, festival fields, shops, stays and automotive events with Vantom Overdrive.
Plan your visit
Address: Patchings Art Centre, Oxton Road, Calverton, Nottingham, NG14 6NU
Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30am – 4:30pm (temporary times)
Phone: 0115 965 3479
Getting here: By rail, Lowdham station (Nottingham–Lincoln line) is a few miles from the village; onward travel is by taxi or local bus. Please check current train, bus and taxi options before you travel.