The art world, the University and the city came together to celebrate the official opening of John Hansard Gallery in its new home at Studio 144 in Southampton’s Cultural Quarter last week.
Pictured: LtoR: Sir Nicholas Serota, Councillor Satvir Kaur, Professor Alex Neill and Woodrow Kernohan in front of one of Gerhard Richter’s tapestry works
It was a packed house as invited guests, including Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair of Arts Council England, enjoyed a special VIP Preview of the Gallery’s vibrant and compelling opening exhibition of works by the eminent German artist Gerhard Richter.
John Hansard Gallery is part of the University and supported by Arts Council England. Its new location in the city centre is its first purpose-built gallery space, after 40 years in its previous location at Highfield Campus.
All spaces in the new Gallery are devoted to artworks by Richter for the exhibition ARTIST ROOMS: Gerhard Richter. The works are drawn from the ARTIST ROOMS, Tate and Richter’s own personal collection, and include significant examples selected from Richter’s wide-ranging practice over the five decades, including painting, photography, print and tapestry.
Welcome speeches were given by Woodrow Kernohan, Director of John Hansard Gallery, Professor Alex Neill, Vice-President for Education, Sir Nicholas Serota and Councillor Satvir Kaur. Special thanks were paid to John Hansard Gallery’s former Director, Stephen Foster, whose vision and years of planning were instrumental to the success of the Gallery’s move to its new home.
Pictured: Sir Nicholas Serota with Arts at University of Southampton’s Arts Ambassadors
Also present on the night were the team from Arts at University of Southampton, with a number of their Arts Ambassadors leading on social media, conducting VIP interviews, and live streaming the event for all those who were unable to be present.
Sir Nicholas Serota said:
“The opening of John Hansard Gallery is a milestone for Southampton and I think it represents an enormous step forward for the city bringing together the council, University and arts community into the city centre and the new cultural quarter.”
The Gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, 11:00-17:00, 142-144 Above Bar Street, opposite Guildhall Square.
More information on the Gallery can be found here at www.jhg.art.
