Crompton Village

Love is in the air...

2012-01-28T13:33:00.000Z

A few weeks before our next exhibition - mixed media paintings by Christine Gray. In the meantime the craft cases are full of studio-sweeping goodies - including valentine cards and gifts. So if you want a truly original card for the one you love, but you can't bear to leave your beer - you can drink and shop under one roof at The Crompton!

A solo show by Christine Gray..

2012-01-11T13:30:00.001Z

Christine Gray

De Mirabilibus Pecci

25th February - 31st March

Opening Night 24th February from 8 p.m.

Our next show will open in February and will be a solo show by artist Christine Gray. More details on the website soon - in the meantime find out a bit more about her at the Purple Shed Studio

19th November: Mini Market - lots of lovely unique gifts!.

2011-11-14T12:48:00.001Z

This Saturday sees the opening of Green Door Printmaking's Christmas exhibition at the Crompton. From 12 - 6 p.m. there will be a mini market of handmade prints and other lovely things created by Green Door Printmaking Studio. Green Door do a fantastic job of providing open access printmaking - in a green, non toxic way - and all without any funding so come along and support them. Have a drink, look at the exhibition of prints, meet some of the artists and do a bit of Christmas shopping - all under one roof!

29th October - party, party, party!!

2011-10-18T16:27:00.000+01:00

Art at The Crompton and Derby's vision for the future...

2011-10-09T12:44:00.000+01:00

Current show The Drawing Project until end of October.

With the current news that Derby's arts funding is going to be decimated over the next few years I've spent some time reflecting on this and our own small contribution to the art scene is Derby. Derby has always been a city that feels like a town and thinks like a village. The council actually seem incapable of joined up thinking - instead of seeing the big picture they concentrate on one area at a time and then move on, leaving the previous focus of attention to fend for itself. Apparently any focus on the arts has ended.
The area we are based in (which is a couple of minutes walk to the shopping centre) is blighted by an empty Duckworth Square site and the Hippodrome building (a listed building) is still in a terrible state after it's wanton demolition. The old School of Art (which housed the Metro) has been empty for years and the old Debenhams site is an eyesore (- allegedly sold to Westfields to encourage Debenhams to move to the new shopping centre leaving Westfields in charge of what happens to it -surely a conflict of interest if ever there was one). I felt that some of the buildings/ sites in our area should have been used when Quad was built or at least there should have been some plan to integrate them into the future cultural map of Derby (but better elsewhere than nowhere). Instead this area has been ignored and buildings left empty. To make matters worse we have only just become accessible again after two years of being virtually cut off by foot and road for two years. (The initial estimate was 6 months). All of this has played a part in forcing our decision to put the pub on the market.
We have been hosting exhibitions for the best part of 22 years and are, I think, the longest running non gallery art space in Derby. We have made art accessible to hundreds if not thousands of people who would never go into a gallery. We have given artists the opportunity to experiment and control what they show and how they show it (with a few obvious limitations) free of charge and without any commission on sales. There have been many times over the last 22 years when I have wondered why we do it - to be honest the level of interest from outside our existing customers is limited, in particular ongoing support from artists is disappointing and it has certainly been a labour of love. However, when an exhibition or piece of work sparks off a lively debate between customers, empty walls prompt impatience for the next show and especially when someone loves something enough to want to buy it, I remember why. Art isn't just about aesthetics - it also stimulates, provokes and enriches people's lives. It isn't just about making money - if we always expect a financial return many exciting and experimental events will never take place and we will all only be exposed to the predictable.
Our small contribution to the arts in Derby is soon to end - but I really hope that the council rethink their current intentions to remove arts funding and see creativity as a worthwhile investment. If Derby is ever to become a city of culture we need a council who support and nurture the arts and most importantly respect and believe in it's importance and value. Unfortunately, it appears they don't.

Crompton 'Salon' 2012??

2011-10-03T12:45:00.000+01:00

I've been giving a lot of thought about how to organise our exhibitions next year. The difficulty is that, as many of you are aware, the pub is on the market - as a result it's a bit tricky to programme when we don't know whether we'll still be around. We have a drawing exhibition on currently - organised by Crocus Gallery and the fantastic Green Door Printmaking will be showing during November & December - but I need to make a few decisions about next year... (Those who I've already booked will still have their exhibition as agreed)
What I'm considering is dividing the pub wall space into sections (6/7) and along with the 2 craft cases offer on a monthly first come first served basis. The artist is responsible for hanging their work and taking it down (as usual we'll look after sales where possible, at 0% commission). What is shown is completely up to the artist (with the usual provisos) so it may be new work or work which is gathering dust and needs to be cleared out to make some space. (The idea came about as I have quite a lot of work which is no longer relevant to what I'm now doing and it would be good to try to sell some). It can be a single piece of work or it can be 'piled high'. At the beginning of every month we'll have an 'opening' for the new cycle of work. Hopefully this will result in a really eclectic range of work.
The fee for a space will be an entry for our mail art exhibition which will still occupy the pool room space :) More details soon - but in the meantime can all you artists out there let me know what you think?

The barMate????

2011-09-15T14:25:00.001+01:00

If you saw Dragon's Den this week you'll know what the barMate is.Read an article about it here: http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Opinion/The-Guv-nor/Dragons-Done/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily&c=NHhM%2FF2wC%2FO4bbluFlo5VxmsTEcKyfNa

The Crompton 1945 - 1961

2011-09-05T13:36:00.001+01:00

Back in June we had a very special visitor at The Crompton. Richard Land and his wife Marian popped in. Those of you with a copy of Psssst (Anniversary edition) will know that we had a list of all the licensees since the pub opened in 1864 (copy on sidebar). From 1st November 1945 Eric Land was the licensee and from 6th March 1952, after his death, until 4th January 1961 his wife Mabel Land took over the licence. Richard Land is their son and was born in the pub (then known as Queens Hotel).

Eric Land

Mabel Land

Mabel and Richard in the pub garden

Richard and Marian bought along lots of newspaper clippings and photos and have very kindly sent me copies to share here. On January 8th 1954, the Derby Evening Telegraph ran a whole page feature. At the time many of the artistes who played at Derby Hippodrome stayed at the Hotel. It was a really lovely opportunity to talk about the Crompton's past with someone who was a part of it.

The lower photo above is captioned 'Cocktail bar joke between Mr M. Ausell, Mr Wood and Mrs H McLoughlin' Apparently the cocktail bar was in the upstairs front room and was for the use of guests staying at the hotel.

A letter to Mrs Land from Roy Leo who was staying at the Hotel whilst playing at the Hippodrome

Mrs Land standing outside the side entrance to the pub (blocked up now but still visible)

Skipper the dog

Unknown group

Mr. A Watson & Mr. C Bradburn playing cribbage

Mr A Porter, Mr H Fearnehough and Mrs Land

Mrs E Willetts who lived on Crompton Street and had been a regular for 40 years

Mrs Land - caption in newspaper 'close up of the Queen's charming hostess, Mrs Land'

(So - no more landlady, barmaid etc. in future charming hostess please...)

Newspaper caption 'Studying photographs of stage artists who have stayed at the Queen's are Mr and Mrs A. Houldsworth'

Says it all...

2011-03-31T14:21:00.001+01:00

Red Nose Day....this Friday,

2011-03-16T15:00:00.000Z

For more info go to events calender on website or visit our team page HERE.

Tasty Food and Wine.....

2011-03-14T16:12:00.000Z

Valentine Amuse-Bouche

The next Amuse-Bouche - with an Easter theme - will be on Tuesday 19th April - get your name down behind the bar and prepare for a delicious array of tasty food. Also coming soon - a series of monthly wine tastings by Spirit of the Place which will take place on the first Tuesday of every month (beginning on the 5th of April with 'Sparklies for the Summer'). More info and how to get tickets will be on the website very soon...

Beer Mat Publication

2011-02-21T16:52:00.000Z

I have just embedded an issuu publication of (nearly) all the beermats from our 2010 exhibition (- view from the sidebar). I've used the latest beta edition - so any problems let me know! Apologies if I've not included yours or it's upside down etc. but I did my best to include almost everything which involved a very long scanning session! (I have excluded some - so those of you whose children have contributed should be able to safely explore!)

Ooooh look! Curtains...

2011-01-31T15:16:00.000Z

We now have curtains which can be pulled across the pit for a bit of extra privacy - they'll be put to use on Wednesday for the first time when we have the Drawing Conversation. We thought it would be good to have a space groups could use for meetings etc. without distractions from the rest of the pub, so let us know if you want to reserve if for something specific and we'll put it in the diary.....

Meet Jasia - Sunday 30th January 2p.m. onwards

2011-01-25T14:40:00.001Z

Our current exhibition 'Art matters 2' is an exhibition of photographs by Jasia McArdle. As well as being a practising artist, Jasia also acts as an Arts Consultant, Curator, Producer, Project Designer and Manager specialising in public art, site specific commissions and engagement programmes encompassing art,architecture, the built environment, and the spaces in between - the public realm. She will be in the Crompton on Sunday 30th January from 2p.m. so come along for a drink and chat - all welcome

Crompton Open Show 2011 - Mail Art

2011-01-23T13:02:00.000Z

Back in September this envelope arrived from Italy containing beermats for our 2010 open show from Fabio Sassi. I couldn't bring myself to throw it away and have decided to use it as the inspiration for this year's open show. The idea is simple - post us an envelope, sealed and decorated in whatever way you wish and we will display it. We're going to use the pool room so we can have a year long exhibition (almost) and will start adding mail art as it arrives. At the end of the year I'm hoping to compile an issuu publication of all entries so make sure you add your name/ web address if you want the publicity. More photos/ info soon...

Exhibitions in 2011 at the Crompton

2011-01-18T12:50:00.000Z

Valentine Amuse-Bouche - Tuesday 15th February 2011

2011-01-17T17:49:00.000Z

Date for your diary if you love food! - the next amuse-bouche is on February 15th. Get your name on the list by Friday 11th. As usual, it's not a competition - everyone involved makes enough 'mouth amusers' for each participant to have one - so you get to try lots of delicious morsels. If, like me, you're not a great cook - remember it's worth participating to eat everyone else's concoctions ;)

Prices may have gone up....but get a crompton card and your beer will be cheaper than before the increase!!

2011-01-04T15:41:00.000Z

Cards available from 8 p.m. tonight.

Jasia McArdle exhibition from January 9th

2010-12-31T11:12:00.000Z

Our next exhibition opens from January 9th and is an installation of photographs by Jasia McArdle. We will be having a mid-show 'meet the artist' - more info soon....

Made me smile.....

2010-12-29T12:10:00.000Z

The return of the dartboard and more 2011 news...

2010-12-14T14:42:00.001Z

Yes, it's going to happen!! You may be fed up with all the bad news and feel there's nothing to look forward to but now you can cheer up and look forward to 2011. The dartboard is coming home! The pool room is set to become the permanent exhibition space for all your masterpieces - details of the 2011 project soon. (We will still have an ongoing exhibition programme in the rest of the pub). We also have plans for a little something to help cope with the rise in beer prices in January - watch this space for more info on that....

A few photos from the Beer Mat Show

2010-11-22T13:19:00.000Z

Feeling Hungry???

2010-11-22T12:53:00.002Z

A beer mat book...

2010-11-18T17:13:00.001Z

The cover of one of the beer mat books submitted by Matt Edwards. See his other work (and inside this one) at the Beer Mat Show...

Beer mat sculpture to be created at the opening this Saturday

2010-11-18T14:09:00.000Z

image copyright Sally Lemsford

Sally Lemsford, a live artist, will create her 'beer mat' sculpture at the opening night on Saturday November 20th. If you want to find out more about her check out her website

www.45poundsplus.co.uk

Latest submission - a series of 28 beer mat sized portraits

2010-11-17T14:29:00.001Z

Tony Hall is the latest to drop in beer mats - above is the first of 28 brilliant beer mat sized self portraits. If you want to see the rest you'll have to come to the exhibition!

Submit your beer mat art now!! Show opening Saturday November 20th 8 p.m.

2010-11-15T14:32:00.000Z

Last few days to submit your beer mat art - we already have over a hundred, but we want MORE!! The show will be opening on Saturday 20th November at 8 p.m. and will be on until January 3rd so do come along and have a look......

Don't forget!! Deadline for Beermat submissions - 18th November 2010

2010-11-08T15:15:00.000Z

Call for submissions for The Crompton Beer Mat Open Show
This year's Open is going to be all about beer mats!

What? Decorate, alter or otherwise create a beermat sized piece of work. Dimensions should be that of a standard beermat: 9 x 9 cm. (3-D work should use this as the base size). No frames - work will be pinned/ pegged to the wall or shown in the alcove cases. Use a real beer mat as the starting point or create your own. Beermats, pens and pencils will be available at The Crompton from today for you to make a start......
When? Work should be submitted at the Crompton Tavern, 46 Crompton Street, Derby DE1 1NX on the 16th - 18th November 2010, 2 - 8 pm. Please make sure you have your name/ contact details/ price (if for sale) written on the back.
Where? The show will take place from 20th November 2010 - 3rd January 2011. The opening night will be on Saturday November 20th from 8 p.m.

All work submitted will be shown space permitting. We take no commission on work sold. Unsold work will need to be picked up by Thursday 6th January 2011 during pub open times.

Last chance to see Hal Wright's Show...

2010-11-08T15:06:00.000Z

Hal Wright's exhibition finishes on the 14th - so if you haven't seen it yet come and have a look. Next show is the beer mat show...

Amuse-Bouche evening

2010-11-04T10:52:00.000Z

The Amuse-Bouche evening last night was a great sucess. Eight people took part (but quite a few more got fed!) Images on the sidebar and check the website for details of the next one....

Opening of Hal Wright's exhibition - Tuesday 2nd November 8 p.m

2010-11-01T13:25:00.000Z

For more info go to website

Photos from Big draw now on website

2010-10-19T16:22:00.000+01:00

Some of the photos from Big Draw 2010 are now on the website I'll be adding more over time....

Fantastico!!!

2010-09-24T14:52:00.000+01:00

This arrived at the pub this morning from Italy - inside a dozen beermats from Fabio Sassi. (find out more at www.fabiosassi.blogspot.com).

For sale at £1 each, make sure you come along to the Beermat Show in November to see all 12....and don't forget you can submit something too!!

Amuse-Bouche Evening Wednesday 3rd November

2010-09-21T10:58:00.001+01:00

After the great success of 'Come Dine at The Crompton' last year - our culinary event this year is to be an Amuse-Bouche Evening. If you want to take part you will need to sign up by Friday, 22nd October.

A WHAT? some of you may ask...well an amuse-bouche is a single, bite sized hors d'oevre - the term is French - literally translated as 'mouth-amuser'.

Each person taking part will produce a minimum of three different amuse-bouche, which all participants will share, taste and savour over a drink. (How many of each you will have to make will be determined by how many people take part).

This is not a competition just an excuse to eat, drink and have some fun. The only limits are your imagination and if you aren't taking part you will only have the opportunity to taste if there are any left-overs (how likely is that??)

Great minds....

2010-09-14T14:36:00.000+01:00

As you know we're having a beermat show at the Crompton in November - you might be interested in another beermat show which has been touring since May 2009.

Big Draw in October at the Crompton

2010-09-09T11:37:00.000+01:00

You can't judge a book by it's cover...

2010-08-15T12:50:00.000+01:00

Recently I came across a blog entry which made me stop and think. It contained quite derogatory reference to pub landladies and seemed to be subscribing to the view that all landladies are gossips and liars. Got me thinking about the stereotypes that are applied thoughtlessly to all areas of life. As a sometime/ part-time landlady I have of course been aware of unreasonable prejudices for some time. There have been occasions over the past 20 years when neighbours (only a couple of people who have since moved on) have made all sorts of assumptions based purely on the way people look. They have asked us not to serve people with dreadlocks or doc martins or have intimated that those in suits who drink in our pub are acceptable but everyone else is permanently drunk, stoned or somehow sub human. They have asked for CCTV in the garden to monitor our customers despite the fact that we have never had any trouble or aggressive behaviour which would seem to me to be a blatant disregard for Human Rights?? These are neighbours who have never drunk in the pub and have never met the people who they are attacking.

I am glad to say we have always had the same policy at the Crompton – it isn’t about what people look like it’s about how they behave. Perry has always said that the Crompton is his front room and he expects people to behave as they would if they were in his home (although we don't dance on the table very often at home...), providing people subscribe to that who cares what they wear? Anyway if we had a dress code Perry and I wouldn’t be allowed in our own pub…… J

Website and Beer Mat Show

2010-08-09T16:02:00.000+01:00

The website has now been started (link on side bar). Signed up for a free site - part of the Get Brtitish Business Online so if you've got a business and want a free site for a couple of years check it out. The google site builder is not the most intuitive but it is free! Other news - our open show this year is going to be a beermat show. More details soon but the idea is anyone can submit work executed on a beer mat and we will be showing everything we get during November and December. You can pick a beermat up from us (or from another pub if you must! :)), and then turn it into a work of art any way you want. Beermats, pens pencils etc. will be on the tables at the Crompton from the beginning of September if you want to come along and make it here whilst enjoying a drink and enduring I mean enjoying the critical analysis you will enevitably receive....

Pssst!! Anniversary Issue now on blog sidebar

2010-07-29T20:47:00.001+01:00

Party Time!!

2010-07-03T12:36:00.002+01:00

Beach Party on June 5th, 2.30 pm

2010-05-25T13:08:00.003+01:00

Big Draw at the Crompton - plans for 2010

2010-05-09T12:50:00.003+01:00

Last year we did drawing on beermats which went really well (in progress above) This year we're thinking of covering the tables with blackboards and putting out chalks every day for the duration. Also hoping to get involved with another beer mat project - more info at a later date. Taking place in October all around the country the aim of Big Draw is....to get people drawing!! This year is also the first year of Derby Big Draw - events will take place all over the city, so be prepared to draw, doodle and scribble to your hearts content.

A few photos of Corrina's show - on until end of April

2010-04-06T17:02:00.002+01:00

A beer brewed for Perry!

2010-03-22T17:35:00.002Z

To celebrate all the time Perry has spent at The Crompton and his advanced age, Trevor at the Derby Brewing Company has produced a very special beer. Perry wanted a strong, pale ale and 50 20 was the result. First served at Perry's 50th birthday party, it is going down very well! Make sure you try some while we still have it!

Perry's party and pssst! at the Crompton

2010-03-16T10:52:00.002Z

Great night on Saturday - lots of old faces, some we haven't seen for over 10 years. Bit of a reunion night. Hoping to collect photos for the next issue of Pssstt!! which is now under consideration. Anyone who wants to contribute feel free, we have a new agony aunt-uncle so any problems will receive the consideration they deserve! Hand in behind bar/ put in suggestion box (by front exit) or speak to Kate.

Call for pssst!! contributions

2010-01-25T14:28:00.002Z

Crompton '89 badges

2009-11-03T09:21:00.002Z

Pssst!! at the Crompton - special anniversary edition

2009-10-30T11:12:00.002Z

Back in 1997 we did four issues of 'Pssst!! at the Crompton'. To celebrate our 20 years we are going to produce a special anniversary edition - some time during November 2009. We are also going to find a way to post the back editions online (but this may take a bit longer!). If anyone has any contributions to make, hand in behind the bar.

Big Draw

2009-10-26T17:30:00.002Z

It feels like a lifetime - because it is!

2009-10-24T14:05:00.002+01:00

November 1989 we moved to Derby and took over The Crompton Tavern, so on Saturday 14th November we're having a party and hope everyone we have known during our time here will join us to celebrate 20 years as Crompton Taverners. Think we're probably the longest serving, family run, independent pub in Derby centre and have enjoyed (nearly) every minute. More info soon - along with details of the exhibition which will open on the same night: regular Ian Minion's 'Cantasia' a show of 3-D objects created from recycled cans and bottle tops. Art, beer and a great juke box- what more could you want?

19 - 31 October - Big Draw at The Crompton

2009-10-07T14:22:00.004+01:00

This year we will be participating in The Big Draw celebrations. Between 19 - 31 October each table will have pots of pencils and pens and piles of beer mats to draw on. Peel off the top layer to make into a blank mat or doodle on them as they are....then take home with you or add to our wall. 2 - 11.30 p.m. weekdays, from midday at weekends.

Crompton Show Handing in Dates - a reminder!

2009-06-25T11:33:00.003+01:00

Thursday 2nd July 2-6 p.m.

Friday 3rd July 2-6 p.m.

Sunday 5th July 12-6 p.m.

(Ready to hang with Name, Contact no., Title, Size and Price (if for sale)

Doing something for the opening night?

(Friday 10th July)

Let us know on above dates what and how long it will take

Come Dine Finalists

2009-06-24T00:34:00.002+01:00

The finanalists for the Come Dine at The Crompton have been decided and are:

Nina, Paul, Dave and Perry

Looking forward to finding out who will be the Come Dine at The Crompton Champion 2009!

Come Dine at The Crompton - Lou's Menu

2009-06-24T00:31:00.002+01:00

Starter

Broccoli and Stilton Soup

Main Course

Roast Lamb

with

roast potatoes, carrots and peas

Dessert

Summer Pudding

Cheese Board

Come Dine at The Crompton - Paul's Menu

2009-06-08T12:13:00.005+01:00

Starter

Stuffed eggs a la mornay with brocoli

Main Course

Pork and Peaches

cooked in cider
Dessert

Strawberry and rhubarb soup

Come Dine at The Crompton - Dave's Menu

2009-06-06T16:06:00.004+01:00

Acar

(Asian pickled vegetables)

Kia Tom Ka

(chicken, garlingale and coconut soup)

Pergedel Jagung

(Savoury sweet corn fritters)

Ikam Pla Muck

(seafood salad)

Masaman

(Thai beef curry)

Tumis Bendi

(braised and spiced okra)

Sankhaya

(baked ginger custard with fruit)

Come dine at The Crompton - Kate's menu

2009-06-02T14:13:00.004+01:00

Starter
Mediterranean Vegetable Terrine
with
Italian Bread
Main Course
Beef Olives
with
Mashed Potatoes and Vegetables
Dessert
Lemon Pudding
with
Almond Biscuits
Cheeseboard and Coffee

Come Dine at the Crompton - Alison's menu

2009-05-26T18:30:00.006+01:00

Starter

Californian Avacado Soup

served with

Homemade Wholemeal Bread

Main Course

Herb Stuffed Mackerel

served with

Italian Rice Salad and Green Leaves

Dessert

Rhubarb Fool

served with

Sponge Fingers

The Crompton Show submission details

2009-05-23T16:34:00.001+01:00

Tracey Meek's exhibition

2009-05-23T16:18:00.004+01:00

Tracey Meek has an exhibition from 21st May to the end of June. A few images above but much more on show - fantastic, quirky, humorous and original - well worth a look. On the opening night we also got to see one of Tracey's animations which was a real treat.

Things happening in the next few months

2009-05-23T14:32:00.001+01:00

Apart from our Silver Wedding Party on the 20th June:

Come dine at the Crompton is well under way. We should have our finalists by mid June.
Tracey Meek's exhibition runs until the end of June to be followed by
The Crompton Show during July and August. Open to all who use the pub we're hoping for a real range of work. The opening night will be on Wednesday, July 8th and will include films made by regulars. More info soon.