The Old Town hall at the top of the High Street in Falmouth has now moved into new phase after being The Old Town Hall Antiques for fifteen years, it is now the Old Town Hall Gallery.

Married couple Peter, an artist and who before retiring worked at English Heritage, and Helen Chapman, a trained art historian, opened the doors to the new gallery that they say has an open doors policy two weeks ago, along with art historian Romy Carr.

Peter Chapman said:

“I know that it is very difficult for artists, particularly amateur artist to have their work considered by galleries. It will always be open doors for painters, sculptures and potters. I have already discovered there is a lot of un-recognised talent and we are trying to encourage people to come back to the gallery.”

Helen Chapman said:

“We are not prepared to just get artists to produce what sells.”

She continued:

“We take 30% commission, most galleries take 40 to 50%, and with students we take 10%.”

So far the gallery has a mixture of 18th century Dutch paintings that the trio have sourced from auctions in their steps to build up a collection, as well paintings from recent Falmouth University Art Foundation Graduate, George Fergusson. Local artist, Sue Davis has some of her large abstract paintings there alongside many of Peter Chapman’s own paintings.

The paintings of 96 year old amateur artist from Constantine seem to be drawing a lot of attention with one of her paintings selling last week.