Art gallery launched in Cross Lane, Sidmouth
East Devon artists have a charming new venue for exhibiting their work with the launch of Cordelia Gallery in Sidmouth.
It is the brainchild of Beverley Raw, who was inspired to create the gallery in memory of her husband Bob, a keen amateur watercolour painter, who died in 2013.
“Bob enjoyed his art and was an active member of the Budleigh Salterton Art Group for many years,” explained Beverley.
“I felt it would be a really positive thing to encourage local artists by offering them a new gallery to exhibit their work, and when the space became available in Sidmouth, I jumped at the opportunity.”
The gallery was officially opened by Alan Cotton, one of Britain’s most distinguished landscape painters who is celebrated for his distinctive style, using painting knives. Alan is a patron of many art groups in the region and founder member of the South West Academy of Fine and Applied Arts.
He said: “I know it was quite an adventure for Beverley to find this space and come up with the right feel for the ga
llery.
“This is going to be a friendly gallery encouraging people to come in, which will provide a great service for many painters in Sidmouth and beyond.”
Other guests included exhibitor Jodie Simone Harris from Paignton. Jodie, who paints in oils, said:
“This is the first time I’ve exhibited in a gallery like this. It’s really exciting and motivating to see how my work looks on the walls.”
Fellow exhibitor, Michael Taylor from Budleigh uses acrylics and elements of drawing in his work. He commented:
“Cordelia Gallery is a great innovation and wonderful use of a smaller space. Many galleries exhibit formulaic painting and it’s nice to see a gallery that’s a little different.”
The current exhibition also includes work by Anne Townsend, Anna Fitzgerald, Susanna Lance, David Manners, Ralph Bingham and Rita Richardson. In addition, local pottery by Kat Jenkins and natural jewellery from Jocasta is on display.
Local artists are encouraged to contact the gallery through the website (www.cordeliagallery.co.uk) if they are interested in exhibiting their work, or holding an exhibition.
