Just Done It: I’ve Booked My First Solo Show

Mood: Excited | Post Type: What’s Happening

Well, I’ve only just gone and done it. I’ve booked my first ever solo show.
It’s been a quiet aspiration for a while now — and I’ve spoken to very few about it. But it’s happening.

The entrance to No 10 Gallery in Chagford — the doorway where this journey begins.

Location: No 10 Gallery

I always knew where I wanted it to be — No 10 Gallery in Chagford, a small picturesque Dartmoor town just 20 minutes from me. If I'm in town I will always make a detour. The gallery is technically a pop-up space that you rent for a week. I also knew (from other artists) it was usually booked up well over a year in advance.

The Nudge I Needed

I was listening to a podcast — I can’t even remember which one — but the message was clear: Just do it. What have you got to lose?
Literally as I was listening, I opened my laptop and sent a hopeful email asking about availability for the summer and autumn of 2026.

A Reply Within Hours

Marie, who owns the gallery, replied quickly. She already knew of me through Instagram, which was a lovely surprise. She offered me different weekly slots: August and October. No surprise that September was taken as it’s the main month for Devon Open Studios.

Why August?

After talking it through with a creative friend, I decided on August, and more specifically the August Bank Holiday week.
It felt right:

• Chagford is a touristy town, so footfall might be higher from further afield
• I’ll need to take less annual leave from my other professional hat
• The weather might be on my side (well one can hope)

Reflections & What’s Next

I’ve paid the deposit. It’s official. What’s giving me confidence is that I’ll be part of a group glass show in January, so I can learn a lot before this solo venture.
My mentor told me to give myself more than a year — and I have. In fact: 1 year and 1 month. Or 13 months. Or 57 weeks. Or 399 days. Whichever way you carve it, it’s happening.

Wish me luck — and if you'd like to follow along, I’ll be sharing the process here on my website and in my newsletter.