Run by professional artists the Fountain Gallery runs an exciting and diverse exhibition programme showing a range of high quality paintings, prints, ceramics, textiles and jewellery. New exhibitions open every two weeks with each show giving the opportunity to visitors to meet the exhibiting artists.
This beautiful gallery is located just across the bridge from Hampton Court Palace in South West London, in a delightful street famous for its cafes, restaurants, antique shops and boutiques.
History
The Gallery was purchased in 1999 by Andrew Blyth and Liz Butt his partner, with a sealed bid at auction. At that time it was owned by National Trust along with the two properties alongside. The premises were in very poor condition and a complete refurbishment was set in motion to incorporate Andrew's trademark arches. Andrew's previous life was as an architect. Having thought long and hard about a suitable name for the gallery Andrew and Liz came up with the idea of a 'fountain', representing the flow of creative juices,the nourishment that art can bring and relaxing sounds (Liz is a music therapist). Their vision was to set up a calm and peaceful environment where many different contemporary styles and media can be shown. There followed a long search for a suitable fountain for the garden.
Renovations were complete in October 1999 and the gallery opened by the Mayor of Elmbridge with an exhibition of about 20 local artists. After a period of a year or so running a traditional gallery business Andrew's desire to paint more himself and Liz's commitment to her music therapy business meant they had to rethink this concept. They came up with the idea of a 'cooperative ' whereby artists could hire the gallery space and run their own exhibition. This then developed into the current form whereby a membership of 20 or so artists formed an association with reduced costs for an exhibition each every year and shared management with a committee and Chair. In order to ensure a flow of new members, opportunities for non member exhibitions 'guest'slots are made available throughout the year. The Association provides a shared sense of endeavour and mutual support, something of great value to those who are involved. Recently a visitor to the Gallery commented that it had become "a community asset". Andrew and Liz are immensely proud of the gallery and its Association of artists and to be celebrating their 20th Anniversary.
