New family-run art gallery opens in central Marlow

A new family-run art gallery in central Marlow opened its doors to the public on Saturday.

Hayden Gallery, located at 23-25 High Street, is owned by Tracey Hayden from Cookham Dean, who is also the gallery’s artist in residence.

The gallery focuses on contemporary art and aims to promote ‘unique artists, sculptors and artisans’.

Tracey said: “We’ve only just opened but we’ve already had some sales and the feedback has been brilliant, people love that it’s a family-run business.

“I always said that I would one day open my art gallery, not realising it was going to be on Marlow High Steet.”

The business makes use of each family member’s skills.

Tracey explained how her brother, Andrew, helps out, along with her husband who works ‘behind the scenes’ on web design and organisation.

Her daughter, Anna, also manages the front of house as the gallery manager.

She added: “Anna really understands colours, is great with interior design – and she’s very good with people.

“We’re a happy little unit.”

There are several other art galleries on Marlow High Street but what sets Hayden Gallery apart, according to Tracey, is her background in the industry, and the support and advice offered to upcoming artists.

She said: “I’m finding some artists who are very new and might find it hard to get into a gallery, so I’m trying to give them a bit of help and support.

“I know how hard it is to get representation and I just want to help other artists.”

Art was Tracey’s favourite subject at school, and she later went on to study in Paris and New York, prompting a journey that would take her to opening a studio on the Harleyford Estate six years ago, before the move to Marlow High Street.

There is one simple rule for art which makes the cut.

She said: “I have to like it enough to want to have it in my home.”

Many of the pieces on show have been produced by local artists with highlights including work by Marian Hyland from Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire-based Blackie Swart.

Tracey said: “I’m trying to find artists that are all different from each other, just to keep it fresh.”

Visitors to the gallery will be able to purchase any of the pieces on display with delivery options available if required.

More information on Hayden Gallery, along with their opening hours, can be found at www.haydengallery.co.uk.