The vacant building previously occupied by the bank HSBC until 2017 is to have a new lease of life as the team behind “Ethel Loves Me” nearby in Rye’s High Street moves in to showcase an eclectic and exciting selection of art from Saturday, August 8.
The Ryebank Gallery throws open its doors at 11am and will then be open 10am – 5pm every day except Thursdays. Many of the artists whose works will be displayed and available for sale are well known names in Rye and include Richard Adams, Karl Terry, Oska Lappin, Robert Sample and Matt Hardman. Ceramicist Annabel Farraday will also feature.
Ryebank expects to run regular exhibitions and workshops, including possibly life drawing, craft classes and children’s sessions, pandemic permitting.
The building has a fascinating history. It was the family home of John Woollett in the eighteenth century who went on to found Rye’s first bank, which was on the site of the old Lloyds on the corner of the High Street and West Street.
The different rooms in the gallery are named after the various families that lived there including the Wylsons, the Brocketts as well as the Woolletts. The building still contains the old bank vault, the size of a small room, left over from HSBC days and its eerie ambiance make it suitable for site specific art works.
The gallery extends over three floors and will should provide an exciting and stimulating space to visit, browse and buy! All are welcome to come along to Ryebank Gallery at 11 High Street on Saturday for the official opening.
Image Credits: Ryebank Gallery .