Help to save ‘heart of art’ in Leamington

Gallery 150 has been at the Regent Court Shopping Centre in Livery Street for the last four years and had recently moved into a newly refurbished premises among the row of shops and restaurants.

But, due to the shopping centre now being transformed into a ‘premier eating location’ the gallery - a charity project run by the Leamington Studio Artists (LSA) group - has been asked to leave by the end of the month to make way for a new restaurant.

Kate Livingston, the gallery’s manager, said: “Gallery 150 is a lovely compliment to the bustling centre, bringing local culture and events to Leamington’s Town Centre, and it is with great sadness that we announce that we will be relocating.

“The gallery was fully booked with exhibitions until August, and these artists have been informed that we will not be able to host their exhibitions.

“Gallery 150 was more than a gallery it was the hub of LSA, which represents over 300 members in the Midlands and further afield.

“We are now putting out a plea to anyone who may know of a new location that we can relocate to.

“We would like to be up and running as soon as possible and any information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.”

Mo Finnesy, of the Leamington Studio Artists, said the loss of gallery 150 would be a “catastrophe”.

She said :“Everyone wants to make a living but the only way artists can do this is to have a showcase where their work can be seen.

“LSA play a big part looking after students and all the other artists in the town and display work for many individuals and groups.

“If this is lost, the town is losing the heart of art.”

NewRiver Retail, the company which owns Regent Court, says it has been letting premises to Gallery 150 on the understanding that the premises might be required for alternative use in the future and new restaurants have now expressed serious interest in moving in.

Regent Court manager Miah Francis said Gallery 150 has been a ‘welcome addition’ and attracted considerable interest to the centre but NewRiver is now unable to relocate the gallery within the centre and has asked its letting agent to try to find it alternative accommodation in the town.

This search is ongoing.

All ideas on the relocation and the future of Gallery 150 can be sent by email to [email protected]