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Over the past nine months, a majestic building in the heart of Stamford in Lincolnshire has been elegantly transformed into a destination to experience exceptional fine art and design amongst the inspirational interiors.
For Glenn and myself this represents a really huge project, not just in terms of its scale but in terms of our ambition to re-write the rules of selling fine art. It is a culmination of everything we have learnt about our trade, creating experience and inspiration as much as selling a fine product.
It is not just about exhibiting works of art; it’s about creating room settings in which the works can live and breathe, and that will inspire clients to see exactly how a work of art might delight them in their own setting. It is the embodiment of our belief that art is the single most transformative element in designing a space.
In each of the rooms we have created a different feel, be that Art Deco or modern or classic, with different furniture and lighting and accessories, even music and scent. Each space will be a setting that will evoke a unique feeling, showcasing the art to best effect, with its own story. To add distinctiveness and individuality, each member of our team took a room for themselves and worked out how they would like to design and decorate it. We feel we are on a journey, learning about each other’s tastes and inviting our clients to share our journey. We cannot wait to show everyone around!
I hope that over time this fine building will be a creative hub of the community, a place where art students can come and learn, and that people will come away from, inspired and uplifted by the great art they have seen.
"The building revealed itself to us as we went along."
Glenn and I have been here most days, chatting and discussing things through our incredible building team, then going away and pondering and maybe having a 'lightbulb moment' at some unearthly hour and calling each other to chat it over. It has been an intense process of continual improvement.
The building itself is huge – around 10,000 square feet across five floors - and it mostly dates back to the early 19th century. The building used to be the old HSBC bank on Stamford High Street. In a nutshell, the building has been transformed from an ugly duckling into a glorious swan; from a warren of dingy bank rooms and old safes to a graceful and elegant building with many of its most delightful original features restored. The facade has been beautifully cleaned, some of the windows had been boarded up on the inside and, rather happily, these have also now been restored.
Going inside, the ground floor is a revelation. Once a rabbit warren of small, partitioned rooms, it is now a large and welcoming space with a lift and stunning oak staircase. Off the main space we have a conservatory, a study and a library. Lighting throughout is state of the art, enabling works of art to be shown to best effect. The floor is a beautiful limestone, with many interesting fossil patterns in it. The basement, which had been totally neglected for years, will be another gallery, with an old bank vault as a walk-through feature.
Upstairs, on the first floor, one is struck first by the glorious view over Red Lion Square. The rooms here – a drawing room, dining room, snug and large landing – are filled with light and distinction. A beautiful rich oak floor runs throughout this level. On this floor are four new fireplaces supplied by Stamford Stone, all using Clipsham stone and each in a different style. On the second floor, the view across Stamford becomes epic, with medieval rooflines in one direction, and the trees of Burghley Park in the other.
It’s a fabulous space and a wonderful renovation that we look forward to sharing and inspiring collectors, interior designers and art aficionados.
Selected parts of the gallery will be open over Burghley Weekend (from 5th - 8th September), and the doors to this fabulous space will be officially open on 16th September 2024.
Opening times from 16th September 2024:
Monday - Friday: 9:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Contact the Gladwell & Patterson Stamford Team:
+44 (0)1780 917 567
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