Art gallery inspired by 'phenomenal' local talent

Owners of a new gallery which only sells local artwork said they were inspired by the "phenomenal" local talent that "people just don't know about".

Jackdaw, based in Oundle, Northamptonshire, was officially opened in March this year by three women from the county.

They only stock pieces created within 50 miles of the shop and prioritise developing a rapport with local artists to support the community.

Tarot Crick, one of the owners, said: "We want to be that community centre and heart and hub where it's just a little bit of everything."

Over the years, Crick and the co-owners Penny Bowley and Rhiannon Griffiths have built an "extensive" list of connections with artists in Northamptonshire.

Crick said: "We had this vision. We knew we could stock a gallery with beautiful things made locally... and be as good as any London gallery.

"We know that the quality is there [with local artists.]"

Despite only being open for a month, the response has been "fabulous" as people "love the concept".

They have worked closely with Northants & Rutland Open Studios, which is a platform for artists to promote their work, and hope to be an outlet for local creatives all year round.

"To have that opportunity that is wholly local... is like gold dust [for surrounding artists and enthusiasts.]," Crick continued.

"A lot of artists don't know how to platform and sell their art; they just know how to produce, so our job is to be that platform."

Crick is "passionate" about developing a strong relationship with people in the community and promoting the economy in the county.

"We'd be more than happy to work with anyone if it supports the local community, makers and artists," she added.

In the future, they hope to expand by putting on creative workshops and opening up their space to art students in schools.

"We'd love to see anyone, we don't care if somebody just wants to come in for a browse and a chat, there's no pressure to buy something," she said.

"That's our whole ethos."

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