Field System is a shop, gallery and print workshop located in the south west of England at 13 West Street, Ashburton, on the southern edge of Dartmoor National Park.  

The shop showcases Field System’s range of apparel and home accessories, printed onsite by hand, alongside many wonderful things from many other wonderful makers. The gallery has become a home for considered works of art being made in Devon and beyond by active and dedicated artists. Both spaces present artworks and objects for those seeking something engaging, tangible and enriching. 

Field System are determined that the gallery programme will encourage conversation and connection in the local community, inspire new creatives from all walks of life (particularly those with less privilege in our horribly divided society) and work confidently as a commercial gallery that acknowledges and supports those who want to embrace and own the art that they show.

‘Field System feels like a special space that celebrates its surroundings cheek by jowl with the wild moors and river that courses under your feet as you walk this stannary town, exhibiting artists that are situated both locally and from further afield and embracing the peculiar, unusual and the ritual.’

Kirsteen McNish, Caught by the River

Field System was founded by Milly Brown and Mark Jessett, who first met in 1994, have been married for more than twenty five years, and have taken a terribly long time to find their purpose. They have been careful to maintain their creativity and interests, while raising a family and working (in the paper industry and fashion / education respectively), all the time searching for ways to make something together. Children of the 70’s, they grew up with Folk (dance, tales and tradition) at first hand, naturally leading to their shared love of story and history, costume and music.

Milly worked in the fashion industry as a trend analyst and designer, before embarking on a long career in Higher and Prison Education. Alongside teaching and research projects, she has maintained a practice exploring nature and histories through installation, publication and collage. 

Mark’s role as a paper consultant has lasted 24 years so far, alongside his dedication to painting, which he has pursued as fully as possible from his teens, through his time at Goldsmiths’, then wherever he could find space (physical and mental) ever since.

Field System was born and tested as a pop-up in April 2022 at Salty’s Studio in Ashburton.

Field System are proud to have forged partnerships with local community groups and organisations such as N-E-W, South Dartmoor Community College, Ashburton Arts, Ashburton Artists and Artisans, Ashburton Folk Orchestra and The Lost Giants. Please get in touch if you would like to partner on a community-based project.