A profile of Wirral artspace, Stables Gallery in Brimstage

Jul 22 2009 by Matt Hurst, Heswall News

A profile of Wirral artspace, Stables Gallery in Brimstage

SMALL but perfectly formed, Stables Gallery in Brimstage Courtyard contains a surprisingly broad range of artwork, from landscape oils to Bulgarian jewellery and Wirral-produced textiles.

The gallery has been run for the last two years by business partners, Alison Dooley and Bulgarian, Magdalena Barry, with the help of resident artist, Liz Carter.

And as well as stocking a variety of representations of local scenes – whether photographs, oils or watercolours – Magdalena’s influence has ensured a steady supply of work from some of Bulgaria’s most respected artists.

Among them is a delightful, brooding, textured oil by artist Chavdar Vulov, on sale for £350.

Magdalena told the News: “This particular artist is among the most renowned in Bulgaria, he’s a name back home, but unfortunately it doesn’t mean anything over here.”

And alongside Vulov’s work is Bulgarian jewellery, formed around mountain crystal and previously exhibited in San Francisco, Paris and Algiers.

Magdalena said: “They are all one-off pieces.

“The only other place you can find something like that is at the Bluecoat or maybe down south.”

And this quirky interest and broad scope of work attracts buyers from across the country and the world.

Liz said: “We’ve had a few big canvases that have gone back to Australia and Canada – all over the world.

“A lot of people come from down south and they all appreciate the prices.”

Among the most popular are Thingwall resident Garry White’s cold cast resins.

Business mogul Richard Branson owns one of his large garden sculptures and Stables is one of the artist’s most successful outlets.

Magdalena said: “Some people come in ask what we would say is collectable.

“I always say, if you buy anything buy a Garry White, because you never know what may happen in ten or 20 years.”

Liz’s expertise lies in ceramics and a new venture into silk scarves and printing, while Alison paints or solders glass, as well as producing mixed media canvases - all of which are available at Stables.

Other notable contributions include Prenton resident, Judith Brown’s wire and bead jewellery, which sells worldwide, and John Hall’s utterly charming ‘thread art’.

Prices range from £100 to around £500.

l The Stables Gallery on Brimstage Road is open between 10.30am and 5pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am to 5pm on Sunday. Call 0151 342 5999 for more.