Running a gallery had never crossed David’s mind during the first half of his life. “I have always loved sketching and painting – art was my best subject at school,” he says. but I was persuaded that it wasn’t a proper job.
“Later, after training as a metallurgist and working in a foundry in Australia, I enrolled on a part-time art course at Sydney University and loved it.”
However, it was another passion – archaeology – that brought him back to the UK to study on the University of Bradford’s archaeological sciences degree course. Art was once again pushed into the background while he worked as an archaeologist. Nevertheless, through evening classes and regular practice, his artistic ability improved to the point where he felt confident enough to exhibit publicly and, with great excitement, sell some of his own work.
Never having been particularly fond of online outlets, David instead took part in open studios and art trails, where potential buyers could meet the artist in person.
“I was truly fortunate to live in Saltaire and, as I still do every year, open my own house for the Saltaire Art Trail,” he says. “You don’t have to mind a couple of thousand people wandering through your home.”
Of course, such events are short-term and cannot provide a steady income. “That’s where galleries come in. A good gallery gets to know the artist’s work, helps to promote it, and builds relationships with art buyers. That leaves the artists free to concentrate on creating their next piece.”
After exhibiting in other galleries, David began searching for a space of his own. However, what might be considered prime locations proved prohibitively expensive. The solution came when The Bingley Gallery became available. Well-known Bingley artist Jane Fielder had run it for many years but, due to family commitments, reluctantly stepped back. David was pleased for Jane to continue exhibiting there. The gallery’s assistant, artist L Amy Charlesworth, also chose to stay on. Amy manages the gallery when David is away, while continuing to paint and exhibit her own work.
“Between the three of us, we have very different styles,” David says. “Jane mainly shows her quirky local ‘Janescape’ views; I focus on local landscapes and trees painted in heavily impasto oils; while Amy creates meticulously detailed hyperrealist oil paintings of almost anything.”
This already provided some variety, but the gallery was never intended to showcase only three artists. “There’s plenty of space – eight rooms across two floors. New visitors often remark on its TARDIS-like nature.” The large basement exhibition space, with its industrial atmosphere, is particularly eye-catching.
When asked how he finds and selects other artists, David explains that he visits art shows and searches online. However, many artists make the first contact themselves, sometimes simply walking in with work under their arm. “I always take a look, but the hardest part of running the gallery is turning someone down. Many artists are new to exhibiting, and I am careful not to dismiss them abruptly. I try to explain my decision. Even magnificent work might be better suited to another gallery where it fits the overall style.” He does, however, have several firm rules. Artists must have a local connection, the work must stand up alongside other pieces on display, and it must be presented neatly and professionally. “But beyond all that, there’s one other factor – I have to like it. That might sound unusual, but I owe it to my customers that when I enthuse about a piece of art, it comes from the heart.”
With around 40 contemporary artists exhibiting both two-dimensional and three-dimensional work, The Bingley Gallery offers considerable variety. However, keeping displays fresh is essential. “We have a new exhibition in the front room every six or seven weeks. Sometimes these are solo shows, sometimes themed exhibitions. Every summer we also hold a mixed exhibition with plenty of artists who are new to us, just to see how the public respond.”
Even after 12 years of running the gallery, David says predicting the public’s response can still be difficult. One of these exhibitions is always a David Starley solo show, which provides additional motivation for him to keep painting.
Another annual exhibition showcases earlier artists from the Bradford region. David’s interest in historical art was stimulated by the comprehensive ‘Not Just Hockney’ website, compiled by Colin Neville, which documents the many talented artists associated with the region. A collection of these earlier works forms another aspect of the gallery’s business, displayed both in the gallery itself and at its extension in Carlton Antiques in Salts Mill, Saltaire.
Like any business, a gallery must face financial realities. Rising prices and limited spending power mean that many people simply have other priorities. The run-up to Christmas is therefore vital, helping to compensate for quieter periods during the year. Yet there remain many art lovers who appreciate an artist’s skill and enjoy owning a unique piece of artwork in an age of mass production. A painting can illuminate a favourite location – landscapes remain particularly popular among Yorkshire residents who take pride in their region. The gallery also serves as something of a social hub. Passers-by often drop in for a browse and a chat, helped by the gallery’s genuinely friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
*The Bingley Gallery, 29B Park Road, Bingley BD16 4BQ. Open 10am to 5pm Thursday to Sunday.
https://davidstarleyartist.com/bingley/
*David Starley’s next show starts on Thursday March 19 and runs to Monday April 27. He’ll also be opening his home for the Saltaire Art Trail between May 2 and 4.