Founded in 1975, the Coquetdale Art Gallery in Rothbury, Northumberland is a registered charity, operated entirely by volunteers, who staff the Gallery seven days a week from mid March to mid December.

 

Our history

We started in Church House, near the centre of Rothbury (now called Coquetdale Centre) with the aim of providing exhibition space for local artists paintings and 'rural crafts' In 1997 we moved to the Old Court Building, above the  Library, further up the hill on Front Street. The building was refurbished involving us, Northumberland Library Services and Alnwick District Council, thanks to a grant from the EU, with the aim of supplying the local area with better facilities. Our official name became 'Coquetdale Arts Centre' and for a few years until 2002 there were monthly music and poetry evenings as well as Members exhibitions.

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Now

By 2021, our original name, 'Coquetdale Art Gallery' was back for everyday use. Two buildings in Rothbury called the Coquetdale Centre was causing problems! We have a large Gallery, (the old court room) exhibiting the work of usually over 150 local artists who pay a small subscription. That subscription and commission from sales of members items in the Gallery, pay the rent to Northumberland County Council. We have around 250 paintings for sale at any one time with a wide range of craft; glassware, jewellery, woodwork, textiles, all original and at affordable prices. We also stock on behalf of our members a range of cards and prints.

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The Gallery, above the Rothbury Library,  is accessed by a flight of stairs, and the stairwell is used as exhibition space, with larger members artworks occupying the space. The Studio is bookable for exhibitions by individual members.

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We fulfil a valuable role in the rural community of Coquetdale and surrounding areas; we foster entrepreneurial skills and provide an opportunity to turn a hobby into a small business; we provide opportunities through volunteering for improving social and mental health, communication and intellectual skills ; we provide direct intellectual and physical development through our classes and provide the opportunity for companionship; sharing 

intellectual and practical skills through our art clubs

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