A NEW gallery and arts study centre is taking shape in Ashburton.
It’s the brainchild of Reuben Lenkiewicz, son of Robert, the controversial and world famous artist
He has spent the past five months renovating and repairing the sprawling medieval building in the town’s North Street.
When work is completed around May it will comprise a 40x16ft commercial gallery, a permanent museum to his father, and 10 large rooms for artists and students to study and teach in.
There will also be a bookshop section for art and philosophy, a small refreshment area and an inner courtyard for relaxation.
For the past five years Reuben, 50, has run a small gallery in Teignmouth but this was too small for his ambitious new project.
He said: ‘The whole focus will be on the arts, with lively teaching space for painting, music, crafts and general creativity.
‘The philosophy of the building will be inspired by my father’s ideas around the importance to the individual of art, music and painting through an appreciation of the history of ideas all at the centre of the community.
‘My own belief is that in these difficult times the appreciation of the arts is more important than ever and more popular.
‘Luckily Ashburton is a very cultured and appreciative town – it already has the highly regarded Antiques Trail – for businesses that have something unique about them.
‘Regarding the problems in the modern high street I think having something unique to offer the public that can not be found online.