Walking out of the rain and into the recently opened Gallery 39 was just like stepping into a pool of warm sunshine.

'Us' by Paul Jackson

The newly-created gallery, with its clean, simple whitewashed walls, subtle but effective lighting and well-thought out display space continues the growing popularity of Swindon's Old Town, with its independent shops and growing association with the modern-day 'arts and crafts' movement.

The brainchild of Kevin Money, Gallery 39 promises to bring Swindon the very best contemporary art from all over the UK.

West Country talent

The gallery's opening exhibition, 'Cornish Colourists', is a mixture of paintings, prints, ceramics, studio glass, jewellery and furniture, and reflects the range of artistic talent based currently in the West Country.

'Sprinkle Dish - Blue' by Colin and Louise Hawkins

Amongst the stunning array of vibrant and original glassware is one piece which has been produced exclusively for Gallery 39 by Colin and Louise Hawkins. 'Sprinkle Dish - Blue' is one of those works of art that manages to really standout from everything around it.

The large dish appears to hover above the shelf it sits on, lifted by the swirling shadows created by the blue speckles that have been added to the clear base of the dish. It has to be seen to be appreciated in its true form.

Recycled art

Furniture by Johnny Hawkins of Church Street in Pewsey, and Royal College and Parnham-trained Roy Tam from Wilton reflects the originality deployed by both craftsmen. Roy's work makes use of recycled sources and includes his unique CD racks and jewellery boxes fashioned from old whiskey barrels from Wadworth Brewery in Devizes!

'Tavira Landscape with Almond Blossom' by Sonya Walters

Sonya Walters' abstract work has particular hold for Kevin, with her warm, deep, sensual reds adding some honest passion to some of her pieces; others are more understated, with dry, dusty North African influences running alongside rich aquamarine works, all of which leave a lasting impression.

Of the more unusual works on show are Suzanne Emery's resin sculptures; her 'Core Samples' mimic those coloured oil-and-water mixes that children create in science lessons; the main difference is that Suzanne's work has a certain permanency to it!

Wine Street inspired

Although Kevin remains confident with ceramics, he is happier to take advice on modern abstract painting from Devizes gallery director Juliet Reid. In fact, it was Juliet's magical Wine Street Gallery that inspired Kevin to open his own exhibition space and he started working on his dream just ahead of Christmas 2003.

Four months later and Gallery 39 became reality. Now, operating as an informal co-operative, he and Juliet will work together helping each other select artwork for both Gallery 39 and the Wine Street Gallery in Devizes.

Gallery 39

Gallery 39 has already a number of challenging exhibitions planned for the next six months, with work going on show for six week periods followed by two-weeks devoted to other shows and displays.

Kevin and Juliet hope that people passing the Godwin Court development will feel happy to drop-in and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

Despite works of art often being offered for sale, Kevin says there is no compulsion to buy - although it will be hard for anyone to resist once they see for themselves the high quality of work on show.