More Than a Gallery: How Lilypad has become a creative hub in the heart of Lutterworth

When we set up Lilypad, we wanted to give talented people in Lutterworth and the surrounding area more opportunities to show their work, reach new customers and earn money from doing something they love.

Being an artist isn’t always easy. Creating the work is one thing, but finding places to exhibit, attracting customers, producing quality prints and managing the business side can be a challenge.

We wanted to help make some of that easier.

That’s why Lilypad has grown into more than a gallery.

Alongside our bespoke picture framing, fine art scanning and giclée printing, and creative workshops, our space has become a hub where artists and creative people like to meet, learn and share ideas.

And that is the best bit about what we do.

Helping artists find opportunities

One of the most rewarding things is seeing our support make a real difference.

Over the past month, we’ve sold pieces of artwork through Lilypad and helped connect customers directly with artists. Those introductions have led to commissions, giving artists the opportunity to create something special for someone who loves their work.

We think that’s wonderful. It’s not just about selling a painting that’s already hanging in the gallery; it’s about helping someone discover an artist whose work speaks to them and creating an opportunity for that relationship to grow.

Sharing skills and inspiring creativity

Supporting artists also means helping them share their knowledge and experience.

Through our workshops, we introduce talented artists and makers to people who want to learn new creative skills. Our workshop leaders get to share their skills, while budding artists can try different techniques, build confidence and perhaps discover a new passion.

You don’t need to be an experienced artist to take part. Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time, returning to a creative hobby or looking to develop skills you already have, there’s something special about learning alongside others.

Practical help for artists

Of course, creative businesses need practical support, too.

Our bespoke framing helps present and protect artwork beautifully, whether it’s being prepared for an exhibition, sold to a customer or treasured at home.

Our fine art scanning and giclée printing services help artists produce high-quality reproductions of their original work, creating opportunities to sell prints alongside their originals.

And our print fulfilment service can also take care of printing, framing, packaging and dispatch, leaving artists more time to concentrate on creating.

These services are all part of the same idea: helping artists share their work and making some of the practical side of their creative journey that little bit easier.

Bringing artists together through LADAS

Our commitment to the local artistic community is also why we set up Lutterworth and District Arts Society (LADAS).

We wanted to bring local artists together, create opportunities to learn from one another and help people build connections with others who share their interests. It’s easy to spend hours working on your own, so having a community where you can share ideas, talk about your work and learn something new can make a real difference.

Through meetings, workshops, talks and exhibitions, LADAS helps local creatives connect and share their work with a wider audience. It welcomes people at different stages of their creative journey, from established artists to those just beginning to explore their talents.

For us, Lilypad and LADAS go hand in hand. Both grew from the same belief that local artists deserve support, encouragement and opportunities to be seen.

We’re proud to have established the society and to be helping bring people together through a shared love of art and creativity.

You can find out more at Lutterworth and District Arts Society.

Building a creative hub for Lutterworth

There’s something lovely about bringing creative people together. Conversations lead to ideas, ideas lead to collaborations, and people who might never otherwise have met can find friendship, inspiration and new opportunities.

We want Lilypad to be a place where that happens naturally. Somewhere artists can exhibit their work, customers can discover something special, workshop leaders can share their talents and budding creatives can find encouragement.

And the wider community benefits, too. Supporting local artists helps bring more creativity into our town and gives people more opportunities to discover, appreciate and take part in the arts.

It’s always been about the artists

Lilypad is a business, of course, but the reason we started it remains as important to us today as it was at the beginning.

When artwork finds a new home, an artist gets a commission, someone learns a new skill at a workshop or local creatives connect through LADAS, we’re reminded why we do what we do.

We’re still learning, still finding new ways to help and still building those connections. We’re grateful to everyone who has supported us and become part of the journey so far.

Whether you’re an established artist, a maker, a photographer, a weekend painter or someone just beginning to explore your creative side, we’d love to hear from you.

Come and discover Lilypad, ask us about exhibiting your work, explore our workshops or find out more about joining LADAS.

You’re always welcome to pop in for a friendly chat!

Visit Lilypad Fine Arts | Discover Lutterworth and District Arts Society