Headline art exhibition closes early as main Tŷ Pawb gallery space encounters ‘technical issues’

A ‘technical issue’ has caused the temporary closure of the main gallery at Wrexham’s new arts and market space.

The main ‘Gallery 1’ space in Tŷ Pawb has been temporarily cleared and closed following a ‘technical issue’. It is thought the temporary closure of the gallery is related to water issues, with contractors Wynne Construction being contacted by Wrexham Council to fix the problem.

After recent stories regarding the trader rents, and issues over contracts, Wrexham.com was given further details of the issue that has hit the main gallery in the centre.

The main gallery had been built to a high specification, including climate control, that has previously been described as being to allow for a wider variety of exhibitions to be brought to Wrexham.

We have previously heard of moisture issues relating to the humidity control of the gallery, with reference made to dehumidifiers being used to combat apparent problems. Recently it appears the problems have become so severe that the gallery space has had to closed, and the headline touring exhibition ‘On Paper’ has been removed a month early.

We asked Wrexham Council if the rumoured water issues were the reason for the closure, and if such problems had been known for several weeks. We also asked if there had been any damage to exhibits, and if the issue was due to issues with construction or something that has arisen after handover.

Steve Bayley, Head of Housing and Economy at Wrexham Council told us: “It is extremely unfortunate that due to technical reasons we have had to close the ‘On Paper’ exhibition earlier than expected.

“We are in touch with our contractors Wynne Construction regarding the matter which we hope will be resolved quickly.”

“We are confident the Wrexham Open will go ahead as planned in October.”

“It’s still business as usual in Tŷ Pawb with traders and the food court open. All planned activities and events will take place as scheduled.”

We asked if there was any cost impact to Wrexham Council due to the early closure, and were told: “We can confirm there has been a cost of £1275 + VAT with this as we have paid for the onward travel of the exhibition as it has had to make an unscheduled journey, however this will be reclaimed.”

The exhibition, only the second to be shown at Gallery 1, was entitled ‘On Paper’ and showcased the work of acclaimed 20th-century and contemporary artists who work with paper. There is no reference to the closure, or pulling of the exhibition that we can spot on the centre’s social media, however the exhibition listing has been pulled from the centre website.

Works from over 40 artists were featured including Damien Hirst (below – pingpong ball in glass) Roy Lichtenstein, Eduardo Paolozzi, Cornelia Parker, Wolfgang Tillmans and Bridget Riley, Welsh artists Tim Davies and Ceri Richards amongst others.

The exhibition also had an 18+ section, that featured Turner prize nominee James Richards’ ‘Rosebud’ that has been described as a ‘sensual black-and-white film’ with a flower being used as a ‘tickling stick’.

For those who missed out, the Council noted a 140 mile trip could be of interest: “For anyone who wishes to view the ‘On Paper’ exhibition it will next open in Swansea in September.”

Top pic: The gallery, with the exhibition start / end dates.