AN old telephone box in Northaw has been given a new lease of life, after being converted into an art gallery.

“The Old Curiosity Box” on Northaw Road West opposite the Two Brewers pub, will house work from professional artists, as well as schoolchildren.

The gallery was opened on Monday, with Northaw and Cuffley Parish council clerk Jason Grocock cutting the ribbon.

The project is the brainchild of Northaw resident and former professional illustrator Janice Randall.

Her work is currently on display in the box, alongside work from Mount Grace School in Potters Bar, pieces by Northaw resident Sharon Gale of art company ‘Quiet British Accent’ and James Brum, an art student from Welwyn.

Last year, Northaw and Cuffley Parish Council asked for ideas for what to do with the decommissioned telephone box.

“They accepted my idea to turn it into a community gallery and paid for the display screens.” said Miss Randall, 47.

Miss Randall’s idea beat several other suggestions, including one to turn it into a library.

“This listed K6 box is a British icon, designed by Sir Giles Scott, and the reinvention will ensure its future and hopefully help people to ‘think outside the box’,” she said.

“I am really hoping that our secondary school students who are interested in art take advantage of this, along with professional artists.

“The whole box can be booked for a single exhibition and the space can be used however the artist wishes.

“The space is available to Hertfordshire artists free of charge.”

Works of art are displayed around the inside of the box.

“A lot of people thought they would open the door and go in but when you are viewing a piece of art, it’s hard to see from two inches away,” said Miss Randall.

Three dimensional works can be incorporated, as well as paintings and photographs. A proposal for a light display has already been submitted.

“I want to have regular changes. Otherwise it becomes stagnant,” said the organiser.

“I’m looking forward to how it’s going to develop.”

If you would like to exhibit a work of art at the tiny new art gallery, email [email protected]
Hertfordshire Mercury

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