Longden Gallery

Longden Gallery is part of Longden Arts Ltd, a group of professional artists who work collectively in the shared print and ceramic studios on Shaw Street in Macclesfield. It was founded in 1979 by Ruth Davenport who recognised the difficulty artists experience after leaving college when making the transition to working independently. Ruth also felt it was important to have a space where the artists could exhibit and sell their work directly to the public.

The original ethos of providing affordable studio space and sharing equipment is still the cornerstone of Longden Arts while the gallery itself has gone from strength to strength. In 1981 the workshops moved from their original location at the Old Smithy on Longden Street, Macclesfield, to the quirky triangular building on Shaw street which they currently occupy, but it was decided to retain the name.

There are currently five artists who are members of Longden Arts, collectively managing the gallery and studio space.