Independent furniture retailer, Barker and Stonehouse, has partnered with Brighton based arts charity, Creative Future, to host an exhibition in its Hove store, as part of Artists Open Houses.
Launching on Saturday 4 May, the exhibition will showcase work by thirteen local artists and will be displayed in the store’s on-site café, the Queensbury Coffee House, throughout the remainder of May.
Many of the artists will attend the launch event and can meet members of the public to discuss the artwork, and the inspiration behind the pieces on display. This activity takes place as part of Artists Open Houses, a biannual arts festival which showcases artwork from diverse groups in a variety of spaces in Brighton and Hove.
National art charity, Creative Future was established in 2007 and specialises in working with under-represented artists, providing training, mentoring and the opportunity to exhibit to those who are often excluded from the art world due to mental health issues, disability, health, identity or other social circumstances.
Danny Driscoll, Hove Store Manager, Barker and Stonehouse, commented, “Our store in Hove has been open since 2017 and we’ve always aimed to make our retail space a community destination as well as being a vehicle to display our beautiful furniture. And that’s where Artists Open Houses come in! We wanted to give something back to the local community and allow artists to use our store to display their work.”
“We were immediately impressed by the work of Creative Future and their mission to engage and inspire underrepresented artists in the local area. It’s a privilege for us to be part of this event and give talented people a platform to promote their work.”
“While this is the first time we’ve worked with Artists Open Houses and Creative Future, we’re certain it won’t be the last.”
Jane McMorrow, Director at Creative Future commented, “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Barker and Stonehouse and appreciative of the generosity shown in giving us the opportunity to exhibit in the Hove store.”
The limited edition prints and the framed originals displayed in the exhibition can be purchased through Creative Future’s online shop, so visitors can peruse artwork, browse a collection of inspirational homewares and enjoy delicious food and beverages in the café at Barker and Stonehouse Hove.
About Barker and Stonehouse
In 2016, British family-owned retailer, Barker and Stonehouse, celebrated its 70th anniversary having opened its first store in 1946 in Stockton on Tees, in the North East of England. Since then, the business has continued to grow and is run today by the third generation of the Barker family.
The brand currently has 11 bricks and mortar stores that each offer customers an extensive range of furniture, flooring and accessories. The stores are award winning within the UK retail sector and renowned for their visual excitement and eclecticism.
