Press Release

12 | 01 | 23

Investing in the UK's Growing Trend for
 Rural Contemporary Art Venues

New Gallery Under Construction in South Devon

A signwriter creates the hoarding for Velarde Gallery, as the renovation of 86 Fore Street, Kingsbridge begins

As part of the growing trend for creating serious national and international art venues in rural UK counties, and representing a significant investment in Devon's art economy, couple Fi and Matt Velarde are spearheading the renovation of 86 Fore Street, Kingsbridge in the South Hams, with the aim of creating a leading venue for the exhibition of both British and international art. Currently under construction and opening in July 2023, the gallery will include a 1,400 square foot exhibition space, hosting up to 12 exhibitions a year, and a garden displaying work by some of the UK's leading sculptors. The project aims to bring the very best in British and international art to South Devon, giving collectors the opportunity to connect with emerging new talent, as well as established artists and makers. With a focus on quality, diversity of practice and innovation, Velarde's year-round programme of shows is designed to exhibit Devon's brightest and most promising talent, alongside exceptional painting, sculpture, photography and contemporary craft from across the UK and Europe.

In addition, Velarde's double-height exhibition space will be set against the backdrop of a beautiful south-facing sculpture garden, where visitors will be able to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the work of leading British sculptors.

Recent economic turbulence has thrown up challenges for the Velarde project, which was originally planned for a 2022 opening, but Matt and Fi's drive to overcome the challenges of post-pandemic business investment are indicative of their passion for Velarde, and their belief in its potential for enriching the UK art scene.

Joint owner Matt Velarde says:"Today's economic uncertainty has been a challenge and will continue to be, so where we can we have tried to build resilience into our forward planning and strategy. We want Velarde to become a hub of contemporary art in the Southwest, and to be a catalyst for expanding the arts here in Devon. With the right vision and investment, we feel Devon is well placed to rub shoulders with Cornwall in terms of its art offering, and we hope Velarde will make a significant contribution to expanding the Southwest as a centre for British art. We don't see other galleries in Kingsbridge, South Devon or further afield as our rivals - we see them as allies, and we share their passion. Collaboration and community engagement are going to be massively important to our project. We understand that we need to be part of the community and will be actively seeking out and exhibiting Devon based artists and showing their work alongside big British and international names. Our aim is to draw the attention of significant art audiences to Kingsbridge, and to be a trigger for the expansion of the art scene in the South Hams and beyond."

Image credit: ALA Architect and Design

Joint owner Fi Velarde says:"Because of two lockdowns, the related delays in purchasing the Fore Street property, and a lengthy application process, getting our project off the ground has been a protracted affair. We were finally granted planning permission in April 2022 and since then it has been a roller coaster ride, but a rather thrilling one. We have faced many difficulties - the rising price of building materials, and virtually everything else, has significantly increased costs - but we are committed to our vision of giving artists an incredible platform for their work right here in South Devon. We have a great team at Velarde, an exciting programme of shows in the planning and an incredible list of artists, from RWAs to brand new local talent and high- profile European artists, and we cannot wait to open our doors to the public this summer."

86 Fore Street, Kingsbridge has been redesigned for the Velarde project by award-winning South Devon architects Andrew Lethbridge Associates, and is being built by KM Developments South West Ltd.

Image credit: ALA Architect and Design

Velarde, 86 Fore Street, Kingsbridge, TQ7 1PP

For further information and to follow the build progress see www.velarde.co.uk

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Print Ready 300dpi images for press use:

Signwriter creating the Velarde hoarding

Velarde Gallery promotional billboard

Velarde visual North East


Velarde visual West



Editors Notes

Velarde

Currently under construction and opening in July 2023, Velarde will be a contemporary Fine Art and Craft gallery in the heart of Kingsbridge, South Devon. The building will include a 1,400 square foot exhibition space, a sculpture garden, and two boutique apartments.Velarde aims to bring the very best in British and International contemporary art to Devon, giving collectors the opportunity to connect with emerging new talent, as well as established artists and makers. With a focus on quality, diversity of practice and creative innovation, Velarde's year-round programme of exhibitions will bring exceptional painting, sculpture, photography and contemporary craft to the heart of the Southwest.

The Velarde team are:

Fi Wallace Velarde - Owner, Painter & Printmaker

Matt Velarde - Owner, Fine Art Landscape Photographer

Lorna Yabsley - Gallery Director & Multidisciplined Artist

Nikki Elphinstone - Gallery Manager

Mercedes Smith - Art Specialist & Curatorial Consultant

For further information contact Velarde, 86 Fore Street, Kingsbridge, TQ7 1PP, www.velarde.co.uk

For further press information, interviews or additional images contact Mercedes Smith at Fine Art Communications
director@fineartcommunications.co.uk | Tel 07825 270235 | www.fineartcommunications.co.uk