In the news: Fen Ditton Gallery is breaking down the barriers of the art world for young collectors
By Adrian Peel for the Cambridge Independent, 18th September 2021
Fen Ditton Gallery has launched a brand new community for new and early-stage art collectors.
Young Collectors at Fen Ditton Gallery. Picture: Julian Eales
The gallery - located in the High Street of the village of Fen Ditton - is on a mission to make art collecting accessible for everyone. Hannah Munby, gallery manager, said: “We often find that younger visitors to the gallery are interested in starting to collect art, but just don’t have the confidence to begin.
“It’s a common misconception that you have to have a degree in History of Art or lots of money to be taken seriously in a gallery.”
Young Collectors at Fen Ditton Gallery. Picture: Julian Eales
Hannah, who has worked in the arts industry since graduating from the Arts University Bournemouth, hopes that she will be able to share her experiences with this community and show a new generation of collectors the joy it can bring.
Gallery manager Hannah Munby. Picture: Julian Eales
“I grew up in a house with art on the walls, went to art school and have worked with artists for many years so starting my own collection was a natural step for me, but I know that not everyone comes to collecting in this way,” she said.
Gallery Manager, Hannah Munby talks to visitors. Picture: Julian Eales
“I want this community to bring together like-minded people to form friendships and learn from each other. We’ve been missing physical events and interactions so much since the pandemic, so it feels like perfect timing to launch a new group like this.”
Gallery Manager, Hannah Munby talks to a visitor. Picture: Julian Eales
Fen Ditton Gallery held its first Young Collectors event last Thursday (September 16), as part of the gallery’s current exhibition, Voices in Drawing. The exhibition includes works by artists who have recently graduated from the Royal Drawing School and are at the start of their artistic careers.
They include Otis Blease and Agnes Treherne, as well as Cambridge-born Felix Higham, who Hannah will be interviewing at the event. Hannah said: “The Voices in Drawing exhibition is an exciting look at contemporary drawing and the next generation of graduate artists.”
Gallery manager Hannah Munby hosting Introduction to Art Collecting talk at Fen Ditton Gallery. Picture: Julian Eales
The rest of the programme will feature monthly talks and events on some of the common topics for new collectors: how and where to view artworks and making choices for your collection, meeting new artists, collecting on a budget - plus practical tips on framing and hanging in your home.
“We often tell our new collectors to start by buying work they love - something that has made them smile, intrigued them or reminded them of a person or place. It’s not all about financial investments, it’s also about investing in your life and happiness within your home," concludes Hannah.
“Especially when we are spending so much time working from home, a work of art can offer a welcome break from the computer screen.”
The Young Collectors is open to anyone who is interested in art or starting an art collection. For more information, visit youngcollectors.art. For more on Fen Ditton Gallery, go to fendittongallery.com.
Thank you to Adrian Peel and Cambridge Independent for the write up.