SEEKING INSPIRATION
The picturesque village of Stenton, with its red pantile-roofed cottages and
traditional stone-built houses lies 5 miles south-west of Dunbar. In its heyday
Stenton, like many other villages, was a close-knit community. Many residents
were employed in agriculture or had their own craft, which supplied the
villagers with all their requirements. Times have changed and even though the
fabric of the village remains, inhabitants are no longer employed on nearby
farms, but commute to work. The village shop is no more, and the village pub
closed. However, the village school still remains and with the village hall is
the focal point for many local events.
So why, in what appears to be a very quiet village, with limited public access,
is there a thriving art gallery? That was one of the first questions I put to
gallery owner, Barbara Christie, who made me feel so very welcome to what has
become a great love of her life.
'It's amazing, isn't it,' said Barbara. 'A thriving gallery in a rural area,
but it was popular before I became the lucky owner.'
Sitting in front of a log fire, enjoying a coffee, Barbara explained how she
finally found her dream. 'Like many people, I enjoy art of all forms, and had
always dreamt of owning my own art gallery. My husband Andy and I had already
visited the Macaulay Gallery, as it was then known. How we discovered it, I
can't remember, but the previous owners, Angus and Gwenda Macaulay, had
established a gallery of good repute which attracted "big names" and
had achieved an excellent reputation.' The gallery became a firm favourite of
Andy and Barbara's, 'it was quite simply one of the nicest we knew of. We
visited the gallery often and it was through a chance conversation we said to
Angus and Gwenda how we would love to own a gallery like theirs. Make us an
offer, came the reply.' After they confirmed they were serious, further
discussions took place, the Christies' offer was accepted and they became the
new, proud owners in 1997.
'It was a very smooth transition. Angus and Gwenda were extremely helpful and
we continued with the programme they had in place,' said Barbara. 'As we loved
the gallery the way it was, we made no physical changes at all. Andrea, our
right hand, also came with the gallery and is a great asset, a tremendously
good person to have around. We did computerise the admin. side and illustrated
our invitations.'
Holding twelve completely different exhibitions per year can be very demanding.
However, Barbara loves every minute. 'The variation is very stimulating and I
get as much satisfaction from exhibiting the work of 60 mixed artists as I do
putting on solo shows.'But don't be misled, Barbara always invites at least two
artists to exhibit their work at the same time, as the layout of Stenton
Gallery lends itself to this arrangement.
Exhibitions run an average of 3-4 weeks and prices range from £150 to
£6,000. Paintings are very popular, but so is the craft work which comes
in a variety of media, from woodcarving to bronze, from pottery to glass. 'We
focus on Scottish art and work coming out of Scotland, and only occasionally
feature an artist invited from abroad. There is so much good talent in
Scotland. We visit degree shows throughout Scotland and are lucky enough to
have been twice selected to take part in the Glasgow Art Fair. We have no hard
and fast rules. Our range takes in everything from recent graduates to
established names.'
Whilst speaking with Barbara, I was amazed at how far people travel to visit
Stenton Gallery and how busy and popular her gallery is. Much of this, I feel,
is due to Barbara's lovely disposition, friendliness and openness. 'I have
built up a very good relationship with clients. People often visit when I have
been in touch with them via e-mail. We have increasingly good local support, as
well as from people who live further afield.' Edinburgh, Glasgow, I queried?
'Oh yes,' said Barbara, 'but we also have customers from Kent, London and the
South Coast, as well as overseas. They are regularly informed of what is on at
the gallery and pay regular visits to Stenton.' A great promotional tool for
East Lothian and other businesses? 'I have a strong sense of commitment to
Stenton and East Lothian and am delighted East Lothian can benefit from our
customers. Plus our website (www stentongallery.com) is proving to be very
popular and it is interesting to see how we can boost sales through the
website.'
How does running Stenton Gallery affect other members of her family? 'Well, my
husband Andy and son Neil have thoroughly enjoyed computerising me and Neil is
the family Internet expert. Hamish, my younger son, is studying dance music but
we all realise how lucky we are to be involved in such a creative and
inspirational way of life. Yes, it's hard work, but it is amply rewarded time
and time again. Seeing the delight of artists having their work acknowledged,
admired and sold is tremendous. But so is watching customers fall in love with
a piece of work which they treasure and which will enhance their home.'
Stenton Gallery has great appeal. It is very much part and parcel of village
life, helping to sustain the fabric of village life into the 21st century and
of course capture the artistic beauty of Scotland and her artists.
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