James Gladwell Exhibition

For Glasgow International 2026, Project Ability presents James Gladwell’s cross-stitched embroideries, which vary in scale and feature intricate, colourful images drawn from James’s life and experiences. A selection of the artists’ drawings on paper will also be on display.

Born into a Romany Gypsy family in 1950s Essex, James was taught how to sew by his grandmother. He left his family at nine years old and spent his early life on the road or running away from various homes and authorities. Aged 13, James spent time at a training centre in Essex where his sewing abilities developed further. In 1981 James found Barrington Farm in Norfolk, where his artistic talents flourished, and exhibition opportunities began to arise.

In 2013 James won the Norwich Assembly House Art Show prize and the Outside In Award as part of Radical Craft: Alternative Ways of Making (2016). This led to The Dreams (2017), a solo show at Pallant House Gallery in Chichester. He also won the Brown&Co prize at Inheritance: Norwich Castle Open Art Show in 2018, and two of his stitched works were purchased by the Norfolk Museums Service Costume and Textile Collection in 2019. In 2024 James was invited to be part of Kaleidoscopic Realms at Nottingham Castle Museum & Art Gallery.

Meet the Artist

James Gladwell will be in the gallery during the first two days of the festival, pop in for a chat!

Friday, 5 June, 2 – 4pm

Saturday, 6 June, 2 – 4pm

Many thanks to Barrington Farm for helping to make this exhibition possible. Barrington Farm has allowed James to develop his artistic practice. With the support of his artist facilitator, Sarah, James has continued to learn new skills and broaden his practice.

Founded in 1988, Barrington Farm is a unique independent day services centre for adults with learning difficulties who may also have other complex physical, mental health or age – related needs. We are based at Walcott on the North Norfolk coast. Most activities are housed in a large converted Georgian red brick barn, set in well – kept grounds next to a small working farm.

Set within a 23-acre farm, the centre is open weekdays from 9.30am to 4.30pm throughout the year (excluding public holidays), providing a diverse range of activities and experiences

Barrington Farm aims to provide its service user with a structured programme of activities designed to motivate and develop personal skills and abilities in a comfortable, relaxed, and supportive environment.  Staff will preserve and maintain respect and individuality for all service users and in so doing will be sensitive to the individuals needs.