While many shops are struggling in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Purbeck New Wave Gallery has moved to bigger and better premises in the High Street.
The gallery owned by well-known local artist, Gina Marshall has moved from Tilly Mead next to Chococo, into a larger shop in a more prominent location next to Lloyds Bank and opposite the library.
Distinctive ink paintings of the local area
Gina Marshall opened her original gallery two and a half years ago and although initially cautious at making such a big financial commitment, the gamble has paid off, as her distinctive ink paintings of the local area have proved extremely popular and collectable.
The gallery also features the work of other well regarded local artists including Nicky Stockley, Gill Williams, Mary Clutterbuck, Jenetta Bird, Ed Marriott, Helen Biles, Eleanor Spalding, Juliet West and Laurie King.
Gina Marshall’s paintings displayed in the gallery
Opportunity to grow the business
Gina Marshall said:
“I’m really pleased with this opportunity to grow the business and this location in the High Street should be good for footfall and grabbing the attention of the casual passerby. Sadly it’s been tough for many shops but we appear to be bucking the trend and doing really well.
“It seems that so many people have been staring at the same four walls of their homes for so many months, that they’re now desperate to have something lovely to hang on them. We’re having customers come in who tell me that they spent a lot of lockdown redecorating their homes and are now looking to buy the finishing touches and we’re happy to help them!”
The new gallery occupies the empty shop left vacant by a clothes shop
Good for the town
The new gallery premises used to be a women’s dress shop that closed down several months ago, so it’s good for the town for a new tenant to take up the lease in such a prominent location.
Gina Marshall’s old premises won’t be left empty either as a new tenant has already been found and they’re artists too. This means that Tilly Mead will continue to retain the feel of Swanage’s artistic quarter with Lucy’s Farm owned by Lucy Tidbury and the Courtyard Studio with Andy Knill and Jo Porter.
Purbeck New Wave Gallery at 43a High Street, Swanage BH19 2LT is open Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.
Gina Marshall in her new art gallery
