about us...
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.
In 2021, our original name, 'Coquetdale Art Gallery' is 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 130 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.
The Gallery is accessed by a flight of stairs, and the stairwell is used as exhibition space, with a different artist occupying the space each month. This space is fully booked in 2021
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
Coquetdale Art Gallery is well sign-posted from Rothbury village, up the hill from the main village centre. The Gallery is above the Library. There is ample parking outside the Gallery.
There is disabled access to the Gallery, by arrangement, or when the library is open.
Library Opening times
Monday 10 - 4
Tuesday closed
Wednesday closed
Thursday 10 - 4
Friday closed
Saturday and Sunday closed
Rothbury has cafes and pubs/restaurants as well as lovely small shops. The one thing Rothbury no longer has nearby is a filling station. The nearest fuel is at Powburn, 12 miles north on the A697, Alnwick, 11.7 miles east via B6341, or Morpeth 15 miles south at the end of the A697. Scotts Gap also has fuel 10.9 miles south along the B6342
Volunteering
Without volunteers it would be impossible to open the Gallery and their contribution is greatly appreciated. We are always looking for more people who would be prepared to give as little as one day a month to add to our list of custodians. Full training is given and a day or half day spent in our pleasant gallery, meeting visitors and selling artwork is very rewarding. Call in to the Gallery, telephone or email us if you are interested.
Joining
If you create original art or crafts in any way why not exhibit your work with us?
For a small yearly subscription, £25, your work can be on display in the Gallery and showcased on this website.
The subscription year runs from January to December but you can join at any time by calling in to the Gallery. You will need to fill in a membership form and pay the subscription by card as we no longer take cash.
You can submit work by emailing the Gallery and making an appointment. Please don't just turn up with work as for safety reasons appointments are usually 9.45 - 10 am before the Gallery opens to the public
For more information about what to bring see All about Joining