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Aug 2020

Last Updated: 08/08/2020

News

Gallery aims to 'put Harrogate on the map' for art

by Newsroom

| 07 Aug, 2020

An art gallery has relocated from Kirby Moorside in Ryedale to Harrogate. The owner hopes the move will provide more opportunities and add to the town's "sense of culture."

A contemporary art gallery has relocated from Kirbymoorside to Harrogate.

Bils & Rye on John Street specialise in 3D works such as sculptures and ceramics, as well as abstract paintings. The owner said there's room in the market and he hopes the move will add to Harrogate's rich culture scene.

The owner, Nick Bentley, decided to move his gallery to Harrogate as a result of taking part in an arts festival in 2015. He told the Stray Ferret that Harrogate has great competition for art galleries and he would much rather position himself among his idols in the business.

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He said:

"Harrogate has always been a top destination and the strength of the competition here is brilliant. I think there's room in the market. We have a very different offering to other galleries, yet I think we can work quite well together and put Harrogate on the map as an art destination.

Despite opening up during a pandemic, Nick told the Stray Ferret that covid has given him more opportunities. He said:

"For me, corona was like a gift of time - it really gave me time to think and realise that this is what I want to do. Because I am relocating the business it gave me chance to say 'lets do it, but let's do it right'."

The gallery will open its doors for the first time in Harrogate this weekend and visitors are advised to pre book an appointment.

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Gallery aims to 'put Harrogate on the map' for art

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