A GRAND opening ceremony was held for a new fine art gallery selling works from local and internationally renowned artists.

Redditch mayor Gareth Prosser cut the ribbon to officially open the new business, which is called 'art is ar't the gallery,' on Saturday (June 5).

It's located in an external unit at the Kingfisher Shopping Centre and offers a range of original artworks and limited edition prints.

Owner Dermot O'Connor, from Stourport, says the gallery was initially supposed to open in November last year, but plans had to be scrapped due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr O'Connor said he's had to wait seven months to open due to the lockdown, with "no income."

He also feels he has launched at a time of "unprecedented, extraordinarily difficult trading conditions."

The team at the gallery consists of Mr O'Connor and art consultants Lucy Silina, who also has her own artwork up for sale, and Tracy Taylor.

Jacqueline Toulouse, Lucy Silina, county councillor Emma Marshall, mayor Gareth Prosser and consort Lynn, and Dermot O’Connor

Jacqueline Toulouse, Lucy Silina, county councillor Emma Marshall, mayor Gareth Prosser and consort Lynn, and Dermot O’Connor

As well as the Redditch mayor Gareth Prosser, his consort Lyn Prosser and Emma Marshall, county councillor for Redditch Arrow Valley West, attended the event.

The gallery has linked up with DeMontfort Fine Art to showcase international artists such as Fabian Perez, Doug Hyde, Dan Pearce, Simon Kenny, Sue Payton, Mark Curryer, along with talented, up-and-coming local artists.

The gallery has original artworks and exclusive limited edition prints from DeMontfort's stable.

Mr O'Connor says they will be selling affordable artwork to suit a range of tastes.

Following the grand opening, Mr O'Connor said: "It was a pleasant, enjoyable event and there was a small crowd in attendance for the ribbon cutting, made up of staff, councillors, friends and some partners.

"Overall, it was a nice, successful day for the gallery and staff and we are looking forward to serving the public of Redditch, and the surrounding areas, for a long time to come."