There’s always something impressively creative happening at Wingates Gallery. One of the UK’s largest independent, family-owned galleries, it has built a reputation for making art feel accessible and enjoyable, bringing together an extensive collection of original paintings and handmade sculpture by more than 40 national and international artists under one roof.

Based on St Mary’s Road in Market Harborough, the gallery is owned by Andrew and Kathryn Cartwright and, alongside its ever-changing collections, it offers a full bespoke framing service, exhibitions and regular opportunities to meet the artists themselves. There is also a strong community element to its offering – particularly when it comes to encouraging the next generation to discover, enjoy and participate in art.

Art With A Difference 

This is where the skateboards come in. Following the success of its first Skateboard Deck Auction in December 2024, Wingates Gallery is bringing the event back for a second time – and this year it’s considerably bigger. Last time, some 30 decks were created by 13 artists; for 2026, there are an impressive 51 skateboard decks by 18 of the gallery’s artists. Each has approached the unusual ‘canvas’ in their own distinctive way, resulting in a colourful collection of completely individual, one-off works. All 51 are now hanging together at the gallery, ready for visitors to browse, compare and choose their favourites ahead of the auction on Saturday 5 December at 5pm. For anyone looking for something genuinely original to hang at home, the decks offer an intriguing alternative to a traditionally framed artwork – as well as the chance to own something that really is unique.

Inspiring The Next Generation

There is a serious purpose behind the fun, too. Wingates Gallery is passionate about encouraging young people to participate in art. ‘We have written to every single school and college offering to provide them, free of charge, with a significant amount of art supplies,’ Andrew explains. ‘We want to encourage as many young people as possible across our area to participate in art.’

The response has been absolutely fantastic, with 17 schools registering to benefit: Bringhurst Primary, Foxton Primary, Gilmorton Chandler C of E Primary, Great Bowden Academy, Husband’s Bosworth C of E Primary, Little Bowden Primary, Lubenham All Saints C of E Primary, Market Harborough C of E Primary, Meadowdale Primary, Ridgeway Primary, The Robert Smyth Academy, St Andrew’s C of E Primary, St Joseph’s Catholic Voluntary Primary, South Kilworth C of E Primary, Welland Park Academy, Wellington Place Primary and Wigston Academy.

It means that every successful bid on auction night is about rather more than acquiring a fabulous piece of original art: the money raised will enable the gallery to put more creative materials into the hands of children and young people across the area. And the equation is wonderfully simple. As Andrew puts it: ‘The more we raise, the more we can help these schools.’

Join the Auction

There are several ways to take part. Prospective buyers can visit Wingates Gallery to see the decks in person and submit a pre-auction bid, book to attend and bid on the night – or do both. Those unable to attend can view all the decks in the gallery’s auction brochure and return a pre-auction bid form. The auction starts promptly at 5pm on Saturday 5 December, and anyone wishing to attend is asked to book in advance and arrive early to register to bid.

With 51 unique pieces to choose from – and a very worthwhile reason to raise those paddles – the only tricky part may be deciding which one you’d most like to take home.

Wingates Gallery, 44a St Mary’s Rd, Market Harborough LE16 7DU

01858 465455

SKATEBOARD DECK AUCTION • Saturday 5 December, 5pm

To attend or bid, email: andrew@wingatesgallery.co.uk

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