Re-opened Kettering art gallery attracts more than 1,000 visitors in first three days
Kettering’s re-opened Alfred East Art Gallery attracted more than 1,340 visitors in its first three days following a six-year closure.
On Friday (October 23), guests attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, James Saunders Watson to mark the gallery’s refurbishment and the opening of the gallery’s first major exhibition in six years – Faces and Places.
The following morning crowds gathered outside the newly-refurbished doors before they opened to the public at 10am.
Once inside visitors enjoyed the exhibition and displays including copies of decorated Collyweston roof tiles created during renovation works.
A council spokesperson said: “The Alfred East Gallery had an incredible re-opening weekend – it was wonderful to see so many people come through the doors and see the works that have been completed, alongside the fantastic art on display.
“It doesn’t stop there – we would encourage residents and visitors from further afield to keep coming back and experiencing such an excellent, free cultural offer.
“We have lots planned including activities for half term and our next exhibition which will be a print exhibition by Kettering and District Art Society in the North Gallery from mid-November.”
On Sunday, visitors were treated to a jazz concert. In total over the opening three days, more than 1,340 people visited the space.
Faces and Places will run in the east gallery until Saturday, January 9, and the west gallery until Saturday, February 27.
Cllr Martin Griffiths, leader of North Northanst Council said: “The gallery is a huge part of the wider work we are doing through the North Northamptonshire Cultural Masterplan and Tourism Strategy for the local area. The journey doesn’t stop here and we’re already looking to the next steps with the new event space and tender process for the café on site.”