It used to be hard to find a local gallery in London prepared to exhibit ceramics or sculpture alongside fine art paintings, but things are rapidly changing. It could be that the European interior design fashion of exhibiting all kinds of art together with furniture and lighting, is having an influence on UK galleries. It could be that galleries can no longer afford to specialize in just ‘fine art’, but need to offer up more choice. Perhaps it is that galleries realize increasingly in this volatile market that they are dependant on local people to supply as well as to buy. In a vicinity where craftsmen abound, encouraged by local council ‘open studio’ promotions, it becomes incumbent on galleries to support diverse arts also.

Whatever the reason, these changes can only be good for potters and sculptors trying to get exposure. We have all witnessed gift shops and galleries closing down in many high streets all over the country and their replacement by charity and second hand shops. For those that remain in business, due in part to their loyal clientele and artist lists, there is no room for complacency. The economic down turn has an indeterminate time still to run. It is therefore in the interests of artisans to build a special relationship with their local gallery owner. This can be done in several ways, according to local Ceramic Artist Nicola Scott-Taylor, “ By remaining flexible on pricing, by being able to refresh slow moving work with new products which fit the galleries changing themes and by including the gallery in any publicity opportunity. The gallery owner in turn can help local artists by providing window displays, space on the gallery website, support with point-of-sale and by commissioning new work for its future exhibitions and in this way both can grow their reputations.”

One such relationship which Nicola has entered into recently is with the new LADAK Art Gallery which opened in West London this year. The gallery, run by Gallerist Amin Abdulla features local and international art by new and established artists, including sculptures, glass and ceramics. The business was named after the famous mountain range and rich cultural region in India where Amin’s family originated from. After a successful career as an accountant, he retrained as a nutritionist and herbalist following the tragic death of one of his children, caused by a severe allergic reaction to aspirin. He went on to co-found the National Reyes Syndrome Foundation of the UK in the ‘80s, a charity instrumental in ensuring that every bottle of aspirin carries a warning highlighting the risks to children. After a second successful career in healthcare, he has returned to a life long passion for the arts with the launch of his gallery. According to Amin the benefits of selling ceramics, sculpture, paintings and tapestries together are that they compliment each other.

“Originally I wanted to sell art alongside furniture but this gallery is too small for that, so I do what I know best by promoting international art alongside local artists’ work, “ explains Amin.

This local connection is important to Nicola who runs Longfield Studio, Uplands Close in East Sheen which opened in 2004. A qualified teacher and working artist, she set up her own business when both Richmond and Roehampton Colleges closed down their pottery departments. She teaches her own ‘Inspired by’ Mixed Media Art courses to children after school over ten weeks each term, as well as runs pottery parties and workshops. “I mostly depend on word and mouth for my publicity so the local schools are a vital support system for people like myself working alone.”

For more information contact: Nicola Scott-Taylor Email: nicola@ceramicsdesign.co.uk Web: www.ceramicsdesign.co.uk Based on information supplied by Nicola Scott-Taylor.