THE SPIRIT of former art gallery owner John Parker is alive and kicking in Corsham.

A group of enterprising artists are to take on the shop in Corsham once occupied by the John Parker Gallery.

They are being led by artist Ali Haynes who is driving force behind the new Corsham Gallery at 15 Martingate, Corsham.

Ali Haynes said: “With help from a group of six other local artists, I have plucked up the courage to take on the lease for the high street shop once occupied by the John Parker Gallery.

“With support from the landlord Andrew Hall we are due to complete the transformation and open to the public on Saturday, January 22.

“There are some real feel-good stories to be told about how we’ve come to this point, which I’m sure you’d agree, is always good to boost morale in January!

“Corsham is fast becoming the place to go for arts and antiques which is amazing. We want to build on that!” she added.

Mr Parker died on November 9, 2020, following a short illness. He was an enthusiastic and active supporter of local businesses in Corsham and Devizes.

His eponymous gallery was a significant presence for many years at the corner of the High Street and the Martingate shopping precinct.

The launch of the new Corsham Gallery follows on from a successful Peacock Arts Trail exhibition in September last year.

Led by Ali Haynes, a group of seven Wiltshire artists have joined forces to open The Corsham Gallery.

They include lino printer Joanne Spencer, cynotype artist Libby Mornement of Bloemen & Blue; P J Buchanan of Skydog Glass in Chippenham; Joan Moorshead of BSPK jewellery; contemporary British painter Emelie Hryhoruk of Emelie Art Ltd; and Cheryl Cork of Cheryl Cork Ceramics in Holt.

The seven resident artists are staging an invitation-only preview event on Friday, January 21 from 10am to 4pm, with doors opening to the public on Saturday, January 22.

Moving forward, the resident artists hope to work with established and emerging artists by offering short-term exhibition space for local artists.

Joanne Spencer said: “It’s very exciting. We are asking people who may be interested in exhibiting to contact us through messenger on our Facebook page at facebook.com/TheCorshamGallery

“We will be seeing applicants on February 2 and February 3 in the gallery.”