Gallery set to discover and promote Yorkshire artists

The 1 Gallery is the brainchild of designer Paul Dennis, who will run it alongside his creative consultancy on the ground floor of 2 Humber Quays, just the other side of the dock from the Fruit Market creative quarter.

Mr Dennis admits there is not a lot of passing trade but says: “I totally accept there’s no footfall. I quite like it actually.

“I’d rather invite people who are serious about art for workshops and talks. There is a great creative community in Hull and they need a bit more space.

“A lot of the artists here are already professional but the aim is for new upcoming artists particularly from the outer areas of Hull and give them some initial investment, if they have talent.”

Marine paintings in oil by Stewart Taylor, who has a studio and gallery at The Weir, Hessle, feature in the opening exhibition, which runs for three weeks.

The artist, who is also a potter and modeller, and counts JMW Turner, WE Cooke and RP Bonington, among his influences, said: “I’ve been told a thousand times: ‘London, boy, that’s where you need to be.’ But it has a big sky, a big river, that’s what’s held me here.”

The gallery is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, noon to 4pm.