Cyndi Speer, Carol Pask and J. McCaughan Art Exhibition
Key details
When:
Date:
Time:
21st - 25th May
10:00 - 16:00
Where:
The Meadow Room, behind Blackthorpe Barn
Blackthorpe Barn, Rougham
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
SatNav: IP30 9HZ
Pricing:
Free to enter; artworks for sale
Exhibition by Suffolk Artists
This beautiful exhibition brings together the work of three talented Suffolk-based artists, Cyndi Speer, Carol Pask and Mac McCaughan, whose creative practices span painting, ceramics, textiles and metalwork.
Cyndi will be showcasing a selection of her original dreamlike oil paintings, mixed media collages and giclée prints, as well as greetings cards, with each piece reflecting her deep connection to the natural world.
Carol will be presenting her striking sculptural ceramics alongside her Land to Cloth textile range, featuring hand-dyed, hand-knitted and woven wool accessories made from native British sheep breeds.
Mac McCaughan will be exhibiting his beautifully-crafted metalwork that blends traditional blacksmithing techniques with contemporary design, often reflecting natural forms, combining strength and elegance in forged steel.
The whole collection celebrates the richness of creative practice rooted in craftsmanship, storytelling and connection to place, and is a treat not to be missed!
All works will be available for purchase from the artists themselves.
The exhibition will be held in the Meadow Room, behind the sunken garden outside Roots Café.
Important information
Gallery
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About the artists
Carol Pask
I am a ceramic artist working in stoneware clay, combining traditional methods to create sculptural pieces which are often fused with metal, wood or slate. My work sways from abstract to the more literal, shapes and images are distilled into non-representational interpretations with just the essence remaining in the finished work. No glazes are used, colour and patterns are created through smoke firing where I seek a balance between the controlled structure of the work and the chaos of the firing, bringing unpredictability and individuality to each piece.
My Land to Cloth textiles only use pure wool from native British breeds of sheep, mainly Bluefaced Leicester and Shetland. Much of the wool is hand dyed in my Suffolk studio using colours inspired by the countryside and coast before being hand knitted or woven into scarves and hats.
W: carolpask.com
E: [email protected]
IG: @carol.pask
Cyndi Speer
I grew up in the beautiful county of Suffolk and am a full time professional artist. I work from my lovely studio, located at the bottom of my garden where I have the great pleasure to be surrounded by my two dogs, trees and birdsong. This wonderful environment allows me to become totally absorbed in my painting, and is undoubtedly an influence upon my work.
Although my work is mainly in oils, I feel liberated in the sense that I can experiment with many different materials, including the use of metallic leaf or spray paint. As an artist, I am continually imagining new works whose hues and patterns are nature inspired but depicted in my own subconscious way. Besides being drawn to our local landscape of Suffolk, my eyes are continuously open to wherever I may be, ever conscious of colour, contour and movement.
I have exhibited widely throughout Suffolk in various galleries and exhibition venues, and have gone on to sell locally, nationally and internationally.
W: cyndispeer.co.uk
E: [email protected]
IG: @CyndiSpeer
John “Mac” McCaughan
Rooted in a make-do-and-mend upbringing, I approach metalwork with a strong belief in both function and form. My work ranges from practical tools to one-off decorative pieces, each handcrafted with care, precision and a respect for traditional techniques. I take pride in collaborating with customers to create bespoke items reflecting their individual needs. For me, metalwork is not just about shaping steel, it’s about problem-solving, storytelling and creating something built to last.
W: jwmac.co.uk
E: [email protected]
IG: @j.w.h.mccaughan
Where to Find Us
Blackthorpe Barn, Rougham,
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
SatNav: IP30 9HZ
There is plenty of free parking available.
Accessible parking is available near the entrance to the Café/Shop area.
Please Note: The car park closes when the Roots Café closes and the entrance gates are locked after this time.
Blackthorpe Barn is situated just south of Junction 45 of the A14, three miles east of Bury St Edmunds, in the village of Rougham.
Look out for the entrance gates to a long tree-lined avenue at the White House junction, with the Barn on the right of the avenue.
Blackthorpe Barn’s black and white signs direct visitors from local roads.
The Meadow Room can be found behind the old thatched Barn and behind Roots Café.
What3Words for the Meadow Room: hands.dunk.drums
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Do you feel moments when life feels a little full, a little fast and what you really need is space to pause?
The Reset Retreat at Rougham Estate has been created exactly for that.
A gentle, restorative experience set within the calm of the Estate, where the pace naturally slows, the noise fades a little and you’re given time to simply breathe, reflect and reset. It’s not about doing more, it’s about stepping back from everything and giving yourself permission to stop for a while.
Held at Blackthorpe Barn, it’s a peaceful setting that allows you to fully switch off and come back to yourself, even if just for a few hours.
With an easy woodland walk, gentle yoga, wood-fired sauna and cold plunge baths, a relaxing sound bath and a light lunch, if you’ve been waiting for a sign to take some time out, this might be it.
Places are limited so book via the link in our bio to avoid disappointment.
#RoughamEstate #ResetRetreat #Wellbeing #TimeForYou #SuffolkEvent
Just a friendly reminder ahead of the weekend…
Ramble & Roots for this month is on Monday 18th May, starting at 10am from Blackthorpe Barn here on Rougham Estate.
If you’re thinking of easing into the week a bit more gently, this is a lovely one. A relaxed countryside walk at a leisurely pace, followed by something well deserved from Roots Café when you get back.
It’s also a really nice thing to do if you come along on your own. There’s a friendly, easy-going feel to it and people often end up chatting along the way, so you might even leave with a few new friends.
Nothing complicated, just fresh air, open Suffolk views and a bit of time out that feels like a proper reset before the week really gets going again.
If a Monday needs softening a little, this is a rather nice way to do it.
Email [email protected] to register your interest in joining
#RoughamEstate #RambleAndRoots #SuffolkWalks #RootsCafe #VisitSuffolk
Because sometimes the best ideas come when you step out of the office…
That’s where the Meadow Room at Rougham Estate is that perfect space. Light, flexible and quietly tucked away at Blackthorpe Barn, it’s a refreshing change of scene for meetings, workshops, training days or team catch-ups. Away from the hustle and bustle, it gives you time to think.
It’s got everything you need to keep the day running smoothly, with the added bonus of being surrounded by countryside calm. And when it’s time for a break, Roots Café is just a short wander away for coffee and something to eat.
A simple change of setting, but one that often makes the workday feel that bit more productive.
Get in touch with us about hiring this space.
#roomhire #businessspace #teambuildingdays
Just a little reminder we always look forward to…
Watson Plants are back at Rougham Estate this Saturday 16th May – Sunday 17th May, and then every other weekend going forward.
It’s a lovely excuse to have a wander and see what’s in, with a really nice mix of seasonal plants, herbs and those easy wins that instantly lift a garden or a few pots at home.
It’s relaxed, a bit of a browse-and-chat kind of setup, and you’ll very likely leave with something you hadn’t planned on (in the best way), or take home some good advice from the very knowledgable Chris who is always willing to help with plant information.
If you’re here at the Estate, do make time to pop over and have a look.
#RoughamEstate #WatsonPlants #PlantStall #SuffolkGardens #GardenSeason
Step into the Suffolk countryside and discover the walks and wildlife around Rougham Estate.
With over 18 miles of public footpaths, cycling routes and permissive pathways to explore, there’s something for every pace, from gentle woodland strolls through Downs Wood to longer routes taking in green lanes, meadows and hidden corners of the Estate. Perfect for all the family.
All walks begin at Blackthorpe Barn, where you’ll also find Roots Café and the Rougham Estate Shop waiting for you afterwards for that treat you deserve!
Bring the dog, the kids, pull on your walking boots and enjoy some fresh air, peaceful views and a slower pace of life.
You can find the range of walks for all abilities on our website and choose which one you’d prefer to explore. Each walk webpage includes a map and a description of the walk, with most of the walks also including a real-time video of George Agnew guiding you along the path.
#RoughamEstate #SuffolkWalks #BlackthorpeBarn #VisitSuffolk #CountrysideWalks
This week’s special at Roots Café is one not to miss!
It’s delicious creamy garlic mushrooms with spinach on toasted sourdough and topped with a poached egg, crispy onions and Parmesan cheese.
Available from 9am-3.30pm Monday to Sunday this week only.
See you soon!
#suffolkfoodie #homecooked #burystedmunds #localingredients #lunchtimetreat
CREATE. CONNECT. UNWIND.
Canvas Club returns to Roots Café this May for another relaxed evening of painting, good food and creative company.
Led by artist Sarah Day of Day Design, this month’s session will guide you step-by-step through creating a vibrant Chilli Peppers artwork using acrylic paints; perfect for beginners and seasoned creatives alike.
Held after hours in the warm surroundings of Roots Café, the evening includes a glass of fizz (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) alongside a selection of tapas-style dishes to enjoy throughout the workshop.
👉 Friday 29th May 2026
👉🏻 6pm – 8:30pm
👉🏽 £57 per person
No experience needed, just come along, settle in and enjoy the process.
Spaces are limited and booking is essential. Find the link in our bio to book.
@_day_design_
#RoughamEstate #CanvasClub #SuffolkWorkshops #CreativeEvening #BuryStEdmunds
Step away from the rush and give yourself one intentional day to breathe, reset and return to what matters. At Rougham Estate you`ll move slowly and purposefully with a guided woodland walk, restorative yoga and a soothing sound bath designed to melt tension and sharpen clarity.
Feel the steady warmth of a wood-fire sauna, the crisp shock of a cold plunge, then settle into a late light lunch.
Leave with steadier breath, clearer thinking and the simple calm.
What’s included:
👉 Mindful Woodland Walk
👉🏻 Restorative Gentle Yoga (all levels)
👉🏼 Wood-fire Sauna & Cold Water Plunge
👉🏽 Soothing Sound Bath
👉🏾 Light Lunch, refreshments and drinks
Give yourself that day you deserve.
Friday 29 May, 9.45am-3.30pm
Book your place by following the link in the bio or visit our website.
@roughamestate
@the_roaming_sauna_ @thecreatespacecollective
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