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Black Sheep galleries is an independent, contemporary art gallery located in the
city centre, open 7 days a week. Established a year ago, it has grown as a vibrant,
successful business offering a variety of original paintings, signed limited edition
paintings and sculptures by award winning National and International artists.
Founder Leanne explains that the intention for the space is to challenge preconceptions
of art galleries and create a memorable and exciting experience, giving people the
opportunity to view beautiful, arresting images in a range of styles. First impressions
are excellent: there is always an eye-catching and stunning painting in the window,
and in the clean, chic and stylish shop the well-lit pieces are guaranteed to make
an impact.
The owners are always keen to welcome customers and offer advice or information.
Their passion and commitment are clear as they obviously take a great deal of pride
in the elegantly crafted environment. Leanne explains that the idea came from a
personal desire to find captivating images and now she has the opportunity to meet
fabulous people and offer the feel-good factor in return. In the current collection hangs
Phillip Gray’s series of beautifully serene expansive coastlines in gentle pastel, offering
us the chance to, ‘momentarily…remove ourselves from the chaos of day to day life and
appreciate the ordered beauty of nature.’
Also on display, Rob Hefferan’s stunningly sensual oil paintings, Duncan Macgregor’s
unusual shimmering glass paintings, and the sentimental soft-focus characters by Doug
Hyde, one of Britain’s most famous living artists. The gallery are also showing two
pieces by Rolf Harris (a gregarious Australian entertainer and artist) and, contrary to my
expectations, they tastefully blend in to the complimentary arrangements of
paintings, with an autumnal palette and skilful definite brush strokes.
The collections are constantly being rearranged as new pieces come in frequently,
so there is always a fresh new exhibition and window display to peruse on a weekly or
fortnightly basis. The business continues to grow in popularity, and Leanne believes this
is partly due to the recent trend of people investing in artwork as they aim to
‘improve not move’. Regular in-house events are organised, the latest being a live
demonstration from Philip Gray. This proved to be a great success with the guests, and
the painting was subsequently auctioned and the proceeds being donated to Helen
and Douglas House hospice. The painting will be returning to the gallery for a final
viewing, so keep an eye out for that event.
I would highly recommend visiting this stylish and contemporary gallery with its
excellent standard of artwork and friendly, accommodating owners. They are currently
planning a celebration of the first year anniversary at the end of the summer season
which promises to be another successful event. For the purchasing customer, interest
free credit is available, a home approval service is a helpful added extra, and corporate
or wedding services are catered for. The website offers a comprehensive selection of
reviews and artist profiles, as well as the chance to view the collections again.
Reviewed by Anna Hobson
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