About

In 2025, Jonathan Reed and Graeme Black opened the Thorns Gallery in Raydale in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.

Sitting above Lake Semerwater it is that rarest of things - a gallery space sitting alone and truly immersed in a wild and beautiful landscape.

Constructed on the original footprint and largely from the salvaged remains of an existing cattle shed, made redundant by the end of intensive dairy farming in the area, the project is Jonathan’s response to the challenge of designing and building in a National Park. Working within the limits of strict developmental controls he has created new structures that fully respect the local agricultural vernacular. The buildings do this handsomely and the result is a distinctly contemporary space of great quality within structures that at first glance appear untouched.

The gallery, which also houses a professional kitchen and dining space for hosting visitors, shows the work of artists and makers who are inspired by the landscape and work with natural materials in all their forms.