Nottinghamshire Through Chinese Brush Exhibition
Over 100 Visitors Attend Opening of Bingham's First Chinese Art Exhibition
BINGHAM, Nottinghamshire (25 July 2026) – More than 100 visitors attended the opening day of Notts Through Chinese Brush, Bingham's first exhibition dedicated to traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy, celebrating the cultural connections between Nottinghamshire and the Hong Kong community through art.
The exhibition was officially opened by Professor Veronica Pickering OBE MBS HAC, Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, and was attended by a number of distinguished guests, including:
Professor Veronica Pickering OBE MBS HAC, Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire
Anthony May OBE Deputy Lieutenant
Judith Swann DL Deputy Lieutenant
Nicky Weston DL Deputy Lieutenant
Councillor Christopher Adegoke, Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council
Councillor Elena Georgiou, Deputy Mayor of Bingham
Councillor Andrew Shelton
Councillor Norman Mees
Councillor Neil Clarke MBE
Paul O'Neill, Trustee of The Jan Parnham Trust
Organised by Neighbourhood Studio CIC, Word Heart Studio and The Jan Parnham Trust, the exhibition brings together the work of three Hong Kong artists who have made Nottinghamshire their home.
In her opening address, the Lord-Lieutenant praised the exhibition for demonstrating how art can build understanding and strengthen communities. Referring to Dr Jeffrey Kwong's calligraphy work inspired by Nottinghamshire place names, she highlighted the Chinese interpretation of Bingham as 「並行」— "walking together", saying it beautifully reflected the experience of the Hong Kong community settling in Nottinghamshire.
“’Walking together' was a really appropriate moment to consider what the journey has been like for some of the community that have settled here from Hong Kong. The idea that art can bring people together means so much more when you see the work, understand the journey and appreciate the experiences of the community. This is a unique exhibition, a unique moment, and a real privilege to see."
Speaking at the opening, the exhibition’s academic advisor and calligrapher Dr Jeffrey Kwong explained that the exhibition explores how traditional Chinese art can become a new language for understanding Nottinghamshire.
"Notts Through Chinese Brush is about finding a sense of belonging through art. Rather than leaving our traditions behind, we allow them to take root in a new place. Through Chinese brush painting and calligraphy, we hope to see Nottinghamshire with fresh eyes while sharing our cultural heritage with the wider community."
One of the exhibition's highlights is The Language of Place, a calligraphy series that reimagines Nottinghamshire place names in Chinese.
Instead of producing literal translations, Dr Kwong created new names that reflect the spirit of each location. Nottingham becomes 落地行 ("to arrive, settle and begin walking"), symbolising the first steps of building a new life, while Bingham becomes 並行 ("walking side by side"), celebrating friendship, community and belonging.
Landscape artist Ping-kin So presents traditional Chinese ink paintings inspired by everyday life in Nottinghamshire, transforming familiar local scenes—including Butter Cross, Archers Lake and quiet morning walks—through the centuries-old visual language of Chinese shan shui painting.
Meanwhile, artist Jin Wu demonstrates how traditional Chinese painting continues to evolve by incorporating locally gathered natural materials, including horse chestnuts and berries, into her creative practice. Her work creates a dialogue between Chinese artistic traditions and the British landscape.
Alongside the exhibition, visitors also enjoyed live calligraphy and Chinese painting demonstrations, cultural activities and opportunities to learn more about Chinese art and tea culture.
The exhibition continues throughout the weekend at Long Acre Arts, Bingham, welcoming visitors of all ages to experience Chinese brush painting, calligraphy and the stories behind the artworks.