Meet The Member - Megan of Thompson's Gallery
Thompson's Gallery
We caught up with our member Megan of Thompson’s Gallery in Harpenden to talk all things Art.
Tell us a bit about yourself and how Thompson Gallery was established.
Thompson's Gallery was established in 1982 by my mother and father John & Susan Thompson when brown furniture and Victorian watercolours were the thing! In the early 90's the UK art world transformed due to the influence of the Young British Artists (likes of Damien Hurst and Tracey Emin) and Thompson's Gallery became more focused towards established and emerging contemporary painting and sculpture.
Today we have three galleries. We are dedicated to source the best Contemporary and Modern British Art works and strive to always be approachable and informative to anyone who is interested! We offer consultations at home, host exhibitions and events at all galleries and our wonderful staff make it possible!
What is your favourite thing about your job?
I adore consulting for people's homes. Some clients are sourcing for an investment, others are driven by budget, size or style of their home, and I enjoy the challenge of finding that perfect piece for them. Artist studio visits are also great!
You have galleries in Aldeburgh and London, what prompted you to open a gallery in Harpenden?
For years I have visited family in Harpenden and discussed opening a gallery, but during a lockdown walk after I moved to Harpenden the perfect location opened and I jumped at the chance.
How do you select your artists? What do you look for?
We are quite a "traditional" gallery, we value more than anything a depth of skill and commitment. We celebrate painting and figurative sculpture and try to exhibit timeless works of art.
Your gallery features art from a wide variety of mediums. Do you have a personal favourite art medium, and why?
Definitely an oil painting. This traditional skill can be so varied in application and finish. With the same medium an artist can produce a highly realistic still life or a different artist can use the same medium but have a more abstracted sculpture like form.
Are you an artist yourself or do you enjoy being creative in your free time?
A long time ago I had an art scholarship, but today, I have realised I am a much better art dealer than painter. On the rare occasion I am free, I do up-cycle furniture, but that is less and less at the moment!
What advice would you give to an inspiring artist who wants to showcase their art, but isn’t sure how to go about this?
Firstly, take time to work our "your style". If you want to exhibit in galleries, source a gallery that it suitable for you work. Then write to them with examples. Applications for competitions and art societies is also a great way to get your name out there.
Tell us more about your hotel partnership with Hyatt Regency Hotel London - The Churchill.
We partnered with the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill in September 2018 to supply art for the hotel's interiors. Since then, we have also partnered with Nobu Portman Square and the Yorke Arms in Yorkshire. They are fabulous opportunity to develop local relationships and offer an opportunity for our artists to exhibit to a new audience.
What’s next for Thompson’s Gallery?
We have the Autumn Exhibition fast approaching at our London and solo exhibition in Harpenden of Paul Vanstone stone sculptures who was trained by Anish Kapoor. Later in September we will be at The British Art Fair in Saatchi Gallery and following soon after is the London Art Fair at the Business Design Centre Islington.
We have various solo and mixed exhibitions, and most recently I was thrilled to open a sculpture garden in the Aldeburgh Gallery. Restoring our rather tired garden to a stunning exhibition space!
finally, What do you like doing when you’re not busy at work and what are your favourite local spots in Harpenden?
I adore the Silver Cup, my husband and I often go for steak night, but even if it’s just for a quick drink after work before sorting the kid’s bedtime, I love it.
The Home Edit opposite us is also fabulous to visit, it's hard not find something to walk out with and Map Stores is stunning and will continue to order from them online!