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livehomes
it’s an ART
When it comes to art Cheshire has too long been overshadowed by the bigger cities. But not anymore. Emma Gaffney writes
J
une saw the launch of Altrincham’s Bloom Gallery, where art lovers can browse and even purchase pieces from some of the world’s best artists. The gallery’s opening, which was hosted by BBC Radio Manchester’s Becky Want, saw Cheshire’s finest come out to celebrate and mingle with many of the artists appearing in the
current show. And the artists currently exhibiting range dramatically so there’s something for all tastes. From experimental Irish painter Patrick Rowan to critically acclaimed Margaret Cahill, who’s impressing audiences all over the world with her dreamy paintings, and local Knutsford
still life painter Emma Williams. In its mission to bring world class art to the north west, Bloom Gallery has been scouring all the corners of the globe from London to Paris, New York and even Israel. The star of the gallery’s current show is pre-eminent Israeli artist and sculptor David Gerstein. Gerstein’s work is exhibited in world-class galleries and on this occasion has been shipped to Cheshire all the way from Jerusalem, for the people of the north west to enjoy and, if they love it, to invest in. David will be joining the gallery in the coming weeks giving us Cheshire locals the chance to meet the famous artist and hear all about his work from the man himself. As well as pushing boundaries to bring top art to the north west the launch of Bloom Gallery is helping raise much needed funds for the National Association for Colitis and Crohn’s Disease (www.nacc. org.uk) through the sale of artwork. The gallery will be helping to raise
throughout the year. “The NACC is a charity we’re really keen on supporting,” explains Bloom Gallery’s owner Chris Tunnicliffe. “It’s an illness that has affected people close to me and I’ve seen how devastating it can be on someone’s quality of life. Many people find it difficult to talk about what is at the moment an incurable illness and so a lot of people suffer in relative silence, which is why the work of the NACC is so important.” The Bloom Gallery will continue to bring more life into Goose Green in the future with more shows by prominent artists. There will also be regular events where guests can meet some of the world’s top artists,
learn about their work and make purchases – bringing home something unique and meaningful to themselves. Anyone wanting to attend the events can get in touch with the gallery. “It’s a lovely location for the gallery,” explains Chris. “We really hope others will follow our lead, bringing more art to
Altrincham. With strength in numbers it will succeed. “Everyone is welcome at Bloom Gallery. The gallery is not just for people who are looking to buy art but also for people who just want to the chance to see artwork that is normally only on exhibition in the big cities.” n
money for the charity
Bloom Gallery 7/8 Goose Green Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 1DW 0161 941 7711 www.bloom-gallery.co.uk