South Square Centre

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About

South Square is a collection of 19th Century workers cottages, in the old Yorkshire village of Thornton, famous for its Brontë connections and its impressive 20-arch viaduct.

Renovated as a community arts centre in 1982, South Square Centre is now home to ten studio spaces for a variety of artists, as well as a gallery, community spaces, archive, fine art framers, bar and a cafe.

South Square Centre has recently undergone a huge transformation which adds wheelchair and family changing accessible toilets, a new ground floor gallery and an attractive, peaceful community garden space allowing for outdoor workshops and activities.

The centre hosts community events and activities for all ages, including an ongoing workshop programme and provides community spaces available to hire.

It is a thriving destination with a frequently changing programme of quality contemporary visual art by local artists and community groups. There are three galleries to immerse yourself in and all the exhibitions are free.

View AccessAble’s Access Guide to find out about this venue’s accessibility. The guide contains detailed, accurate information which has been put together following a visit to the venue by one of AccessAble’s trained surveyors (link opens in a new window).

Book Tickets

Events

Friday, 4th September 2026 - Wednesday, 30th September 2026

paterns and people posterPatterns And PeopleKate Stewart's new exhibition comes to the Square Centre
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Friday, 4th September 2026 - Sunday, 1st November 2026

Here Somehow posterHere SomehowSouth Square Centre presents the new show from Jenny Bratt
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Friday, 11th September 2026 - Sunday, 1st November 2026

A dollMutations In Bloom And RuffA new exhibition from Patti Smith at the South Square Centre
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Thursday, 1st October 2026 - Thursday, 1st October 2026

Artist's studio scene featuring a painted floral bouquet on canvas, resting on a paint-splattered chair beside a worktable with paintbrushes and art mPaint and Sip with Zoe MaxwellJoin artist Zoe Maxwell for a relaxed Paint and Sip workshop at South Square Centre, Thornton, where you'll create your own floral bouquet painting.
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Saturday, 3rd October 2026 - Sunday, 1st November 2026

Ephemeral posterEphemeralA new exhibition from Steve Rayner at the South Square Centre
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Saturday, 24th October 2026 - Saturday, 24th October 2026

Wet felted landscape artwork showing a colourful Yorkshire countryside scene with a dry-stone wall, rolling green fields, bare trees and a vibrant purWorkshop: Wet FeltingJoin artist Sarah Lyte for an autumnal wet felting workshop at South Square Centre, Thornton, creating a felted landscape inspired by the Yorkshire countryside.
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Tuesday, 27th October 2026 - Tuesday, 27th October 2026

Immersive neon-lit woodland installation featuring brightly coloured handmade trees, foliage, mushrooms and woodland creatures glowing under UV light Family Craft Drop-In - Vespertine GardenFree family craft session inspired by Bradford’s nocturnal wildlife, helping create the immersive Vespertine Garden exhibition at South Square Centre, Thornton.
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Thursday, 29th October 2026 - Thursday, 29th October 2026

Display of handmade artisan jewellery on a wooden stand, featuring colourful pendant necklaces hanging above a selection of matching earrings.Workshop: Polymer Jewellery MakingDesign and create your own handmade polymer clay jewellery with artist Gill Rice in this hands-on workshop at South Square Centre.
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Friday, 6th November 2026 - Sunday, 28th February 2027

Vespertine Garden posterVespertine GardenAn ambitious new installation at the South Square Centre
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Saturday, 21st November 2026 - Saturday, 21st November 2026

Close-up oil painting of a sunflower with golden-yellow petals and a dark centre, set against a teal-green background.Workshop: Still Life Oil PaintingJoin oil painter Mireille Botros for a hands-on still life workshop at South Square Centre, Thornton, and create your own finished oil painting to take home.
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Saturday, 5th December 2026 - Saturday, 5th December 2026

Mosaic glass artwork of a traditional Christmas pudding with white icing, two red holly berries and green leaves, displayed against a light backgroundWorkshop: Festive Mosaic-MakingCreate a festive glass mosaic bauble with mosaic artist Abigail Barker at South Square Centre, Thornton, and learn the basics of mosaic design.
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Thursday, 10th December 2026 - Thursday, 10th December 2026

Three pairs of handmade festive polymer clay earrings shaped like mince pies, displayed on branded cards against a light wooden background.Workshop: Festive Polymer Jewellery MakingJoin Gill Rice for a festive polymer jewellery workshop and create up to four handmade pieces using colourful polymer clay and decorative techniques.
more info

Friday, 15th January 2027 - Friday, 15th January 2027

Decorative ceramic bowls repaired using the Japanese Kintsugi technique, with gold-filled cracks highlighted among straw packing material.Workshop: Kintsugi CeramicsJoin conservator Amelia Bedson for a Kintsugi workshop at South Square Centre, learning the Japanese art of repairing ceramics with gold.
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Facilities

Accessibility

  • Disabled toilets
  • Facilities for hearing impaired
  • Facilities for visually impaired

Booking & Payment Details

  • Free Entry

Map & Directions

South Square Centre

Type:Art Gallery

South Square Centre, Thornton, West Yorkshire, BD13 3LD
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Call direct on:

Tel01274 834747

Opening Times

* Tuesday - Saturday : 10.30 - 15:00
Sunday 12:00 - 15:00

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