Saturday Lunchtimes in Burnham

Saturday lunchtimes have become something of a social institution in the gallery. First in today was BRIAN HINTON whose characterful paintings are very much in tune with the mood of the place. Those who frequent the restaurant at The Hoste sit alongside Brian's paintings of Jazz musicians and it gives us great pleasure to be selling his new work. The subject has changed but his people are very much his own - characterised by curves and good humour.  Next up - but not unexpected - was MAX ANGUS, bringing two new prints which we are, as ever, delighted to show.

Difficult to believe, but Max has only been showing with us for two and a bit years, but has become very much a regular.  As ever, they are very competitively priced - and absolutely ideal for anybody who loves or lives (hopefully both!) in Norfolk.

Last in, MICHAEL CHAPMAN with a typical Chapman - Receding Tide at Holkham.  He does get the atmosphere and the light just right, but then I suppose he should do.  He has been here some time and as I am realising really does understand the place. So much so that the paint was barely dry on his last delivery before it sold.

News from Norwich

For all the latest of what is arriving, happening or is about to happen in our Norwich Gallery - visit our other blog, imaginatively titled NEWS FROM THE GRAPEVINE GALLERY.  Work in either gallery can be viewed wherever suits you best.

Glorious Devon

Rounding off my all too brief trip west, I stayed overnight in a fantastic 1930's Showman's Caravan in the garden of another good friend and talented artist - SUE DEAKIN. If you imagine a classic timber built yacht with all its bespoke joinery and fittings and cross this with a Pullman railway carriage, you just about get the picture.  Absolutely beautiful - and surprisingly cosy on a night of one of the latest Devon frosts for many years. 

With an hour or so to spare, I headed as far south as Devon goes, for a fleeting trip to Dartmouth. Drifting along Foss Street, browsing in other people's galleries - role's reversed for a change - I had one of those extraordinary moments that seem to come with this business. Peering into what appeared to be a little bit of France - apparently some kind art workshop - I found a face I knew staring back at me!  STUDIO DIX NEUF is the new home and business of two friends, Lys FLOWERDAY and Gilles BOURLET, who I had no reason to suppose were not where I thought they were - in Norwich.  Our Norwich customers will remember Lys' wonderful prints and drawings were shown in the Grapevine some years ago - but here they were in deepest Devon, having moved over 18 months ago. 

The studio is beautifully presented and it just looks so good. Fascinating to discuss gallery strategy - door open? or door closed? etc. The  questions are the same wherever you are. I have always liked Dartmouth - but now I have a real connection!  If you're in Devon - GO THERE!

Half an hour back up the road, a quick visit to LEA PHILLIPS studio, restocked Grapevine with her very popular (and affordable) mugs and jugs - but this time in new colours, just right for the Summer.