Artizan Gallery

Artizan Gallery is an independent fine art gallery, located in the heart of Torquay, Devon. We are dedicated to championing the work of local artists in the South West, providing a professional and affordable venue for both experienced and emerging artists. Our inviting gallery space in Lucius Street is a quaint, untouched road of independent retailers, just outside the hubbub of the town centre.

At Artizan Gallery, we manage pop-up spaces across Torbay and the South West, and we also host events, groups, and workshops. We are more than just a gallery; we are a community of artists and art enthusiasts who come together to celebrate the beauty and diversity of art.

Our Exhibitions

We host a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing the work of local artists from the South West. Our exhibitions range from solo shows to collaborative projects, and we pride ourselves on offering a diverse and inclusive platform for all artists. Our current exhibitions can be viewed here, and we encourage visitors to check back regularly for updates on upcoming shows.

Background Artwork

Our exhibitions are not just about showcasing art; they are about telling a story. We believe that art is a reflection of the world around us, and we strive to create an immersive experience that engages visitors on a deeper level. Our exhibitions often feature background artwork and thematic elements that add context and meaning to the artwork on display.

Where We Are

Artizan Gallery is located at Lucius Street, Torquay, TQ2 5UW. We are open Monday to Saturday, from 11:00 to 17:00, and Sundays by appointment. Our location in the heart of Torquay makes us easily accessible by public transportation, and there is ample parking nearby.

Our History

Torbay has a rich history of art and culture, dating back to the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. At that time, Torquay was one of the most fashionable places in the world to holiday, and the town attracted aspiring socialites and artists from all over the world. Some of these visiting artists exhibited at the Royal Academy and had established reputations in the art world. There was also a locally based group of Devon born artists, who were loosely associated with the Vivian Institute, which housed the Torquay School of Art.

In 1911/1912, an amiable and highly accomplished artist called Alexander Fisher set up his own gallery and studio in Lucius Street, Torquay. Here, he exhibited his own paintings and those of friends and associates, who also aspired to become professional painters. Fisher was a keen landscape painter, and his gallery and studio became a hub for local artists.

Around the same time, a number of locally based artists, many of whom worked by day in Torquay's mushrooming pottery industry, grouped together and called themselves 'The Artisans Art Society'. On 1 February 1912, a meeting was held at the School of Art, and Alexander Fisher was appointed chairman of the group. The Torquay and Devon Art Society was soon formed, and they held their first exhibition at the School of Art in May 1912.

Artizan Gallery was established in 2014, with the same ethos as the Artisans Art Society, albeit with a different spelling. Our mission is to offer affordable space to artists, either running solo exhibitions or working in collaboration with other artists. Our exhibitions run from 3 weeks upwards, changing monthly, giving time for repeat visits but also creating a changing space for audiences to explore and return to.