New Glass Art Gallery to Open
A new art glass gallery is set to open in Folkestone, brought
here by an international expert in Moorcroft pottery, Neville Pundole.
Neville Pundole originally trained as a teacher, but had always been interested
in antiques and the arts, before turning his hand to the very successful Gallery
in the Friars in Canterbury. About three or four years ago, he became interested
in expanding his activities and considered opening a second gallery in Margate,
following the development of Turner Contemporary. However, events in Folkestone
made him change his mind and some 10 months ago, Neville sold up in Canterbury
and moved, lock stock and barrel to Folkestone. After negotiation with the
Creative Foundation, Neville’s new gallery, aptly called the Neville Pundole
Gallery, is to open in The Old High Street, at number 52.
From Canterbury, Neville had built up an international clientele, with visitors
coming from Brighton and Central London as well as regular customers from
Nottinghamshire, Essex and Hertfordshire to see the art glass works on display.
Now these regulars will be tempted to come to the new vibrant Creative Quarter
in Folkestone. His clients include those who wish to purchase individual and
unique items for their home, but there are also those who return after having
bought one piece.
In the new gallery, here, Neville will be presenting a relatively large stock of
genuine Moorcroft pottery, designed by William and Walter Moorcroft, and dating
from 1897. Neville has, in the past, written and broadcast on the Moorcroft
enterprise. In addition you may find other glass artists of note, including
Siddy Langley, and Peter Layton, the leading art glass artist in Britain. There
is also glass by a young Venetian art glass, maker, by the name of Afro Celotto,
and Neville’s is the only gallery in Britain where you may find Celotto’s work,
which Neville imports. You may also find pottery, which is “completely handmade
and individual”.
Neville says “My ethic is not to sell, but to want people to buy things”, so his
attitude to browsers is relaxed and the gallery is definitely worth a visit,
perhaps to buy that special Christmas present.
Of the short time Neville has lived in Folkestone, he says “I have enjoyed
living here enormously.” Enthusiastic about the Creative Quarter in particular,
Neville comments: “It doesn’t have the elegance of the Leas, but the Old High
Street has great charm. It is one of the most exciting business propositions I
have been involved in, in a potentially stunningly attractive area. Folkestone
Harbour is every bit as beautiful as harbours in Cornwall.” So together with its
natural beauties, Neville is bringing some additional artistic beauty.
The Neville Pundole Gallery, 52 The Old High Street, Folkestone CT20 1RN,
telephone 07860 278774. www.pundole.co.uk
Diana Crampton
Article from Go Folkestone Newsletter December 2007
