Celebrating Harlow’s Creative Scene: Gibberd Gallery & Parndon Mill

On Monday I had the real pleasure of meeting two incredibly inspiring and generous figures in Harlow’s creative community — Catherine Mummery, Director of the Gibberd Gallery, and Rodger Lee, who runs Parndon Mill. Both were wonderfully welcoming and showed genuine excitement for my Place To Be project, offering their support, helpful advice, and brilliant ideas to help spread the word.

Harlow Sculpture Town map and guide — celebrating the town’s remarkable collection of over 100 public artworks by artists like Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, and Elisabeth Frink.

Caroline kindly offered to help promote the event through the Gibberd Gallery’s networks — a space that’s not only a hub for contemporary visual art but also a living legacy of Harlow’s deep connection to public sculpture. Run by Harlow Art Trust, the gallery is home to the Sir Frederick Gibberd Art Collection and presents an inspiring programme of exhibitions tied to Harlow’s identity as Sculpture Town.

I also want to give a shout-out to the Gibberd Gallery’s upcoming exhibition by the incredibly talented sculptor Weng Lo Wong, opening August 2nd — the very same day Place To Be launches! If you’re local, why not make a day of it and take in both?

Rodger Lee at Parndon Mill was equally generous and enthusiastic. Parndon Mill has long been a creative cornerstone in Harlow, supporting artists, makers and craftspeople. It was so energising to connect with someone so deeply invested in nurturing artistic community. I’m also thrilled to share that Parndon Mill’s Open Studios will be happening this year on September 13th and 14th, 2025 — a perfect chance to meet local artists and see their workspaces up close.

📍 Flyer for Parndon Mill Open Studios, happening 13–14 September 2025
✨ Over 20 artists open their studios in this beautiful historic setting along the River Stort in Harlow.
💫 A highlight of the local creative calendar — featuring everything from glassblowing and printmaking to sculpture and textiles.

Meeting Caroline and Rodger reminded me how strong and generous Harlow’s creative community is. Their support not only lifted my spirits but also strengthened the collaborative roots of this project — Place To Be

🌿 Place To Be opens on August 2nd at Parndon Wood Nature Reserve.
🎋 Free willow weaving workshops will run every weekend in August — book your place here:
eloisepilbeam.art/place-to-be-info