We are pleased to welcome you to The Bullpen - a family-run rural arts centre in the Vale of the White Horse in South Oxfordshire. The arts centre comprises gallery, , studios and workshop room. Wesley & Helen Jacobs and Keith & Beth Jacobs began creating the Vale's contemporary arts centre in 2003, in partnership with local businessman John Logan. It has since been growing steadily, with funding from grant awarding bodies and support from the local community.
Background and History
The Bullpen began, as the name suggests, in an old bullpen on Mill Farm in Stanford in the Vale. Wesley Jacobs moved back to Oxfordshire after completing his degree in Fine Art Sculpture at Norwich School of Art & Design. After several successful exhibitions of his work shown on the farm, it was suggested that this could be developed.
Together with Keith Jacobs, whose background is in graphic design and illustration, they conceived the idea of something more permanent on the farm to display artwork. With the encouragement of the farmer, Justin Riggs, planning permission was sought and granted for the cluster of derelict buildings on the roadside of the farm to be turned into a small arts venue.
The Bullpen Today
The building work is almost complete (under the direction of Keith Jacobs, a building contractor for over 30 years) - and since 2006 large-scale artists workshops, exhibitions, events and conferences have all been hosted at The Bullpen. Presently The Bullpen is open by appointment only, and during events such as exhibitions and workshops. Visitors are welcome to come and look around the premises, meet the team behind The Bullpen and make themselves known. To make an appointment, call Helen on 01367 718 722 or email helen@wezjacobs.com.
The Team Behind the Bullpen
Helen Jacobs, Beth Jacobs, Wesley Jacobs and Keith Jacobs