Independent gallery in heart of town showcasing “wealth of talent” on offer in Wrexham

An independent gallery in the heart of town is helping to showcase the “wealth of talent” of local artists and makers.

The Drawing Board Community Interest Company, based on Lord Street, was set up Jacqui Blore, Bobbi Cockcroft and Margaret Forbes, who are supported by two advisors, John Gallanders and Julie Pomford.

Members of the CIC took over the premises, which were previously occupied by tWIG (The Wrexham Independent Gallery), in early 2020.

Over the last two years the space was completely refurbished to create a bright, modern gallery along with three self-contained studios on the first floor.

It was officially opened in November 2021 after being delayed by the various coronavirus restrictions.

On display is the work of local artists and craftspeople, showcasing a wide range of media from watercolours, acrylic and oils to pencil drawing and photographs.

The second exhibition at The Drawing Board opened at the beginning of February, with artists asked for four submissions to allow more work to be displayed.

The Drawing Board is also the area’s only stockist of Seren books, an independent Welsh publishing house specialising in books about Wales written in English, and books by Welsh authors.

Many of the crafts are made by hand from recycled materials, from wood to steam punk jewellery made from recycled watches and gemstones. The gallery’s recycled and plastic free ethos is continued through to wrapping purchases. Wrapping paper is recycled paper and the bubble wrap and tape are biodegradable.

Director, Jacqui Blore, said: ‘It has taken a huge amount of time and effort, and a massive amount of help from so many different people, to get the gallery up and running but it has definitely been worth it.

“Everyone who comes in tells us what a lovely place it is and they are thrilled by the wealth of talent shown by our local artists and makers.”

Members of the public are also invited to decorate a ‘football’, using pens and coloured pencils, to show what Wrexham means to them as part of the City of Culture 2025 bid.

The event will run until the end of April; all the decorated shapes will be featured as bunting in the Drawing Board window display for the next exhibition beginning in May.