Edward Reach and Tom Butcher started up the Lyndhurst Gallery three years ago, here they explain why they’ve never looked back

You opened the gallery in 2010; tell us what it was like to start up a new venture

We’ve always been passionate about art and after a combined 25 years working in corporate roles, we both felt that the time was right to strike out in a new direction and run our own business doing something we both love. It takes some time to adjust to being your own boss but it is hugely rewarding to see the direct and positive impact the decisions you make can have on the growth of the business.

What are the benefits to working in Lyndhurst?

There are a wide range of benefits to setting up our business in the High Street in Lyndhurst. The village is at the heart of the stunning New Forest National Park with a variety of mostly independent retailers. We have received strong support from people living in and around the area as well as from the large numbers of visitors who stay in the various top quality hotels nearby.

How has the gallery grown in the past three years?

We have now established ourselves as an independent gallery offering a vibrant selection of high quality, original paintings and sculpture by many established British artists. We put the needs of our customers at the centre of what we do every day, which is reflected in the fact that we have many returning customers looking to buy their next piece of art.

What current exhibitions are you excited about?

Our next solo show is called ‘Transitions’ and launches with a First View on the 24th May from 6pm and features 21 new canvases by award-winning artist Claire Wiltsher. Originally from Wales, Claire is now based in the New Forest. Her deeply atmospheric paintings, inspired by the New Forest and the Hampshire and Dorset coast, have received national critical acclaim. It promises to be a very special show.

Tell us about the Own Art concept

Own Art is a fantastic scheme backed by the Arts Council of England. It makes buying art easy and affordable by letting our customers spread the cost of buying a piece of art over 10 months with an interest free loan. It is great to be able to see the wide range of people who take up the opportunity to make a purchase using the scheme, many of whom would not otherwise be able to do so.

Tell us where you see the Lyndhurst gallery in five years time

Our ambition is to continue to build our reputation as a high quality gallery offering affordable contemporary British art. We have some exciting plans in the pipeline so watch this space!

Do you support students and budding artists and what advice can you give?

We regularly engage with students and budding artists who visit the gallery or contact us for advice. We are always happy to point people in the right direction in terms of effective ways to increase their exposure as an emerging artist with tips around things like increasing their online presence, social media use and the importance of high quality framing, a service we offer.

Give us your top tips for buying art

For many people it is often about something quite intangible, an emotional response to a particular piece of art. We often speak to people who say they have seen a painting or a sculpture in the gallery and just can’t get it out of their minds, sometimes driving hundreds of miles to come back to buy it! Don’t be driven to find a piece of art that fits a particular room or décor as the overriding factor in choosing. It is highly likely that the painting will be hanging on the wall long after you have changed the décor or moved house. Finally, be true to yourself and trust your choice. By definition, everyone has a subjective response to art. Don’t dwell on what others think buy a painting or sculpture that speaks to you.

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Find out more at www.lyndhurstgallery.com