J’AIME JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022

I N T H E N E W S
Original art showcase
LEADING SUTTON COLDFIELD GALLERY ARTIFEX HAVE INTRODUCED
A NEW COLLECTION OF ORIGINAL ART TO THEIR OFFERINGS
Artifex Gallery have been trading for more than 27
years under the ownership of Nigel Bates and Ross
Fenn, and are considered to be the leading gallery in
the Midlands for original art and crafts.
The 3,000 square foot gallery, based at Mitchells
Shopping in Sutton Coldfield, is home to an eclectic
range of works, from handmade glass, ceramics,
jewellery and bespoke furniture, to a superb range of
original 21st century paintings.
And now Artifex have strengthened their
commitment to providing the best of original British
art by increasing their works to include earlier
offerings.
Partner Ross Fenn says: “Over the last few years
many of our customers have requested that we
expand the range of our paintings to include earlier
works from the 19th and 20th century.
“Consequently, using both my personal knowledge
of the art market and in collaboration with an art
consultant, I have spent the last 18 months sourcing
what I believe to be an exciting collection of original
paintings, dating from the mid-19th century to the
late 20th.
“Both Nigel and I are really looking forward to
launching this new venture, which will offer an even
broader selection of paintings, both to our existing
as well as to customers. I would emphasise that the
ARTIFEX CO-OWNER
ROSS FENN
new venture is an addition to our current offering
and does not signify a change of direction for the
gallery.”
The first floor is dedicated to original paintings, and
visitors can peruse works from around 18 artists
at any one time, with an exhibition programme
focusing on more substantial one-person shows.
“The art market is now strengthening after a fairly
quiet period and as well as offering the chance to
own a beautiful original painting, your purchase
might also make a sound investment,” Ross adds.
SPOTLIGHT ON ART
Tom Malone (British 1913-1986)
‘Landscape with Road’
Oil on board 39 x 50.5cm (15¼ x 19¾ in.)
Ross says: “I love the beauty and simplicity of
this painting by Tom Malone, especially the way
in which your eye is drawn to the distant horizon
and leads me to imagine what wonders lie at the
end of the road. It conveys peace and tranquillity
which is priceless in these difficult times and
gives me hope of better things to come.”
Tom Malone (1913-1986) was an accomplished
painter originally from Warrington. Despite
being employed as Chief Inspector of Weights
and Measures in
Salford, he was
always involved
in the art scene
of Manchester,
being friends with
artists L.S.Lowry
and Ted Finley.
He was often
found painting on the weekends, his subjects
ranging from landscapes to portraits. His art style
was influenced by the fauvist movement, which
confers to his works a very painterly and textured
quality, present even in the more traditional oil
portraits.
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