A popular fine art gallery in Oxford has relocated to a larger retail space in the Westgate Centre, taking up 1915 sq ft at its new home.
Castle Fine Art, the UK’s leading art retailer, has moved from a unit near John Lewis to the larger unit in South Arcade.
The gallery, which first opened in Oxford in 2019, has hosted a variety of works from notable artists, including Marvel, Billy Connolly, and Johnny Depp.
READ AGAIN: Covered Market gets £6.8m funding package
The new Castle Fine Art gallery offers more space to browse the artwork and an interactive virtual projector room that allows clients to see the gallery’s artwork inside their own home.
There’s even a bar for customers to enjoy a tipple while browsing the latest collections.
Oxford gallery manager Allison Taylor said:"We’re absolutely delighted to have opened the doors to our brand-new gallery in Oxford. This larger premises has allowed us to really elevate our customer experience, with even more exhibited artwork and a private room where people can see the works in their own home.
“It’s been great to welcome our old friends and new clients to the new space, and I look forward to welcoming even more customers throughout the year. We’ve got some really exciting exhibitions coming up, giving us plenty of excuses to show off the gallery!”
The relocation is the latest move for Washington Green Fine Art, the group that owns the Castle Fine Art chain of 37 galleries across the country.
Last year, the company was behind the public installation of two monumental balloon dog sculptures by artist Whatshisname, which appeared in the Westgate Centre to raise awareness for the Blue Cross pet charity.
READ AGAIN: Historic Lamb & Flag now serving food
The store was also shortlisted for the Best Art Space in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire award at the Muddy Stilettos Awards in 2022.
Group managing director Ian Weatherby-Blythe added: "The move makes for some much-needed good news in the world of retail right now.
"Despite the turbulent times for the UK’s high streets recently, we are so pleased to be able to offer some relief in the form of our new gallery. It is an exciting time for all of us at Castle Fine Art, and we cannot wait for the Oxford community to see and enjoy our new space.
“Now more than ever, the shopping experience is paramount, and we know that there is a renewed demand for an immersive customer journey when visiting the high street. We want to continue to offer our valued clients the full Castle Fine Art experience at every one of our locations, and with this new space we are able to do so."
READ AGAIN: Posh tea business to close Westgate store
Castle Fine Art is the UK’s leading group of retail art galleries.
Founded in 1995, the company now boasts a nationwide network of 40 galleries located in accessible, high-street destinations.
Read more from this author
This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here