New gallery shows off jewel of an idea

Certainly, the four women behind the latest gallery to open on Humber Street in Hull hope it will prove a motherlode after a “rollercoaster of a journey filled with joy, laughter and tears – mainly of frustration”.

Oresome Gallery, which opens tomorrow, grew from an idea hatched by the four who met at Hull College.

Overlooking Hull Marina, The Gallery and Jewellery Workshop combines sales of original jewellery, sculptures, ceramics, glass and textile work with classes and tuition.

Open six days a week they should provide the day to day presence the street – the city’s new arts quarter – needs.

The street used to be the centre of the city’s fruit trade – but the traders moved out in 2009 ,ending their 200-year association with the area.

However, since then creative businesses have been moving in.

The gallery has 19 workbenches allowing it to run daytime and evening courses as well as offering “rent a bench” spaces to other artists – giving access to high quality tools and equipment without the capital outlay.

They will also be running an unusual weekend course where people can make their own wedding rings – by melting down sentimental old gold if they wish.

Rachel Burton, a partner in the new co-operative, said: “We wanted to work together to share not only equipment and premises, but also to work as a creative community”.

Nicola Chapman, with over thirty years experience, and who teaches jewellery and silversmithing at Hull College, is already well known as an established jeweller in the Hull area, while partners Gill Weaver and Diane Higgins-Lee have served both the wedding and events circuit for many years.

Members of the Oresome team have already created pieces for Emma Thompson.

Ms Chapman said: “We are all quite avid Radio 4 listeners so Diane emailed Jenni Murray and she said it was a jewel of a business.

“It is an absolute first for Hull – it’s unique.

“All I can go on is experience I have had from Hull College; the courses are so popular they recruit really well.

“One of the things we strongly believe is that anybody from any walk of life should have the opportunity to engage in creative practice.

“We want to make this a fun learning experience.”

Oresome Gallery and Jewellery Workshop opens its doors for sales, classes and workshops to the public on Saturday.

The gallery’s website – www.oresomegallery.com – includes a gallery displaying some of their products – and work has already started on an online store.

The project has been supported by The Arts Council England and Hull Council since the demise of Hull Forward.