Chesterfield Postcard Show Celebrates Most Successful Year Yet
Chesterfield Postcard Show Celebrates Most Successful Year Yet
The Chesterfield Postcard Show has marked its fifth year with its most successful exhibition to date, raising an impressive £1,816 to support local arts charity, Junction Arts.
The annual event, which launched in 2021, invites local artists and community groups to submit miniature postcard-sized artworks. These pieces are then exhibited and sold to raise funds for community arts initiatives across Chesterfield. Over the past five years, the exhibition has showcased nearly 1,500 artworks and raised more than £3,500.
This year’s exhibition, themed ‘Things We Love’, featured 365 original postcards donated by a wide range of contributors. Artists included participants from the Great Chesterfield Make Off, alongside members of Ashgate Art Club, Chesterfield Art Club, and Cuthorpe Art Club, as well as many independent creatives from across the community.
The 2026 show was organised by Junction Arts in partnership with Dave Elsom of Sombrero Printmaking. It was sponsored by Andy Wilson of Full & Frank Mental Health Presentations and hosted at Junction Arts’ new home at 37 Station Road.
A special highlight for this year was the contribution of three unique artworks by local darts legend John Lowe. Originally from Tupton and now based in Chesterfield, Lowe is widely known for his remarkable darts career, including three World Championship titles. His donated prints, including a unicorn painting inspired by the iconic Unicorn Brass darts he used during his career, raised £190 through bids.
The exhibition sold a third of all donated postcards, making it the most successful show to date.
Hannah Bowdler, Development Manager at Junction Arts, said: “The quality of the artworks this year has been exceptional. I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who submitted postcards, and to everyone who purchased an artwork. Your support helps us continue to provide free community arts opportunities in Chesterfield, making creativity accessible to all.
“This year was particularly special as we celebrated both five years of the Chesterfield Postcard Show and 50 years of Junction Arts. Fundraising events like this are vital in helping us continue our work for many more years to come.”
Looking ahead, the Chesterfield Postcard Show will return in May 2027, with Dave Elsom taking the lead on planning and delivery on behalf of Junction Arts. Next year’s theme, ‘The Little Things That Matter’, will celebrate everyday comfort, connection, and joy.
Individuals and businesses interested in sponsoring, organising, or supporting the 2027 exhibition are encouraged to get in touch via Hannah@junctionarts.org.