The Kelham Island and Neepsend Art and Studios Tour is an opportunity to be guided by a local artist through the fascinating art that can be seen in and around the buildings and streets of Kelham Island and Neepsend. It also includes a chance to see inside the studios of local working artists at Kelham Island Arts Collective. Recently named as one of the ‘coolest neighbourhoods in the world’ by Time Out, Kelham Island has long been a hub of Sheffield’s art scene, and this tour shows why.

The tour highlights famous works such as Frank the dog by Sheffield’s much loved Pete McKee, as well as The Conversation by Italian/Mexican artist Jupiterfab. It also includes a range of high profile local artists such as Phlegm, Bubba 2000, Jo Peel, Robin of Loxley and Kieran Flynn. But it’s not all about street art, it also introduces the public-commissioned sculpture and historic work that stretches back to the days when Kelham Island and Neepsend were at the heart of Sheffield’s industry.

What makes this tour different is the chance to also visit Kelham Island Arts Collective (KIAC) to see the studios of inspiring artists whose work can also be seen throughout the local area. There’ll also be a visit to famous local venues, such as Church, with its exciting artwork inspired by South American religious iconography, and the ever changing exhibitions in the Gardener’s Rest pub. The tours are led by Simon Wigglesworth-Baker, the founding director of KIAC and lead artist on the Kelham Island Arts and Heritage Trail project. Simon is a sculptor and curator whose public art works feature in the area.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The tour costs £10 per person and take around two hours. You need to book online in advance.

It starts outside Kelham Island Museum next to the Bessemer Converter (S3 8RY - map here) and finishes at the Gardener’s Rest pub on Neepsend Lane (S3 8AT - map here). The distance is around 1.4 miles (2.3 km). Access to KIAC is via stairs, without any disabled access.

We recommend arriving by public transport or taxi. It’s often not easy to find car parking spaces in the area, and it means you can take advantage of one of the local pubs, cafes or restaurants afterwards. If you are driving the easiest place to park is a 5 minute walk away at Brookshaw Park, a pay and display car park opposite the Kelham Island Tavern on Russell Street (S3 8RW - map here). You are only able to use the museum car park if you are also planning to visit the museum on the day. Please be at the meeting point around 5-10 minutes before the walk starts.

You can also find the answers to more general Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

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