Fred Schley From Elgol, Skye, oil on canvas, 100 x 120 cm
We catch up with the John Davies Gallery, exhibiting with 45 others at this year’s Fresh: Art Fair and take a look at some of the fantastic artwork they’ll be representing.
What makes the John Davies Gallery special?
The freedom to allow visitors to wander round in possibly one of the largest galleries in the Cotswolds.
What’s a typical day for the gallery?
Welcoming people to view the gallery to view an exhibition. Answering their questions about the artist, or artists. Planning future exhibitions, liaising with the artists plus the general day-to-day running of an art gallery.
Do you encourage people to come in and browse or do you need an appointment?
People come in to browse freely and no appointment is required, they come because of our advertising.
Fred Schley – From Llyn Gwynant, Snowdonia, oil on canvas, 60 x 80 cm
What was the first ever and latest exhibition the gallery held?
The first exhibition was in the1970’s. Our latest and current exhibition is for the Netherlands artist, Fred Schley – his landscapes of the Netherlands, the Isle of Skye and Wales. Fred Schley is to be exhibited at the Fresh Art Fair.
The artists you represent are wonderfully eclectic – how do you go about finding them?
John is always visiting institutional exhibitions and is always searching for new artists at home and abroad.
Richard Thorn – Woodland cathedral, Acrylic gouache, 34.4 x49.8 cm
What are you showing next?
Richard Thorn, a Devonian artist, who paints seriously good watercolours and is a must to be viewed online @ www.johndaviesgallery.com. Richard will also be shown at the Fresh Art Fair.
Richard Thorn – Orchardside, gouache, 36 x 54 cm
You’ve just held a Chagall exhibition with original prints and lithographs, what was the process for putting that together?
John’s had a gallery for over 40 years and have excellent contacts and consequently can obtain material from specialists in this field.
Where would you recommend your visitors go to eat and drink whilst they’re in the Cotswolds?
Moreton-in-Marsh, where we’re based, has some very good cafes and restaurants as well as real pubs.
Alexandra Klimas – Sheep in a lovely meadow, oil on canvas, 59.6 x 100 cm
You are part of the brilliant ‘Own Art’ scheme funded by the Arts Council, could you tell us more about it?
The Own Art scheme allows you to spread the cost of buying art with an interest free loan. Funded by the Arts Council England, and Hitachi Capital, UK, Own Art loans are available from as little as £100 up to a maximum of £2,500 repaid over 10 months. There are no fees or charges and all you will pay is the cost of the artwork, divided into ten equal monthly instalments.
Alexandra Klimas – Cows in a landscape, oil on canvas, 40 x 80 cm
What would be your advice for a first-time buyer of artwork? Would you suggest as investment or simple love of it?
Buy what you like and can afford at the time.
David Prentice – Aspect South Malvern
We see that you’re going to be taking part in the upcoming Fresh: Contemporary Art Fair in April – why did you choose that fair to exhibit?
John Davies Gallery has exhibited many times at both national and international fairs, but this is a local art fair that we wish to support and they approached us. We also represent David Prentice who was resident on the Malvern Hills and his work features a relatively local landmark, David is to be exhibited also at the Fresh Art Fair.
https://www.johndaviesgallery.com
Rock the Cotswolds is a not-for-profit campaign created to promote the talent and creativity of the area.
Big thanks to main sponsor Crowe Clark Whitehill in Cheltenham – their belief in what we’re doing and generous support helps keep the campaign alive and kicking!
