Flea Circus

17. Flea Circus

17th May Friday Only

Open: 7-11pm

Marvel at an exhibition of work by artist Karolina Borchardt and explore this vintage and creative department store run as a cooperative of artisans, makers and sellers including print makers, jewellers, potters, upholsterers and furniture restoration and upcycling.

Karolina Borchardt: 1905-1995

Born in Minsk, she fled Soviet-occupied Poland in 1941, and came to England in 1943 with her daughter to join her husband. By investing in property after the war, she was able to devote her life to painting from the 60s. She primarily painted with oils, and her works include a strong abstract aesthetic alongside still-lifes and portraits.

With exhibitions in New York, London, Poland, Germany and Paris, her work became well-known and respected amongst private collectors and the art world as a whole.

On her death, the Borchardt family inherited more than 230 paintings. For over 10 years, these were stored in London before the Chapman family, who were huge admirers of her work, bought the collection. Over 100 paintings have been sold from the collection, with all profits going to various charities.

The Chapman family are supporting Children with Cancer UK for this final exhibition, with all the profits from over 25 paintings going to the charity. Their aim is to raise as much as they can by offering affordable original art to collectors who will appreciate the work for years to come.