The Rutland Gallery opens in High Street East, Uppingham

A ‘gallery town’ will benefit from a new business.

The Rutland Gallery is opening in High Street East, Uppingham today (Thursday) in what was a former interior shop.

It was the high volume of galleries which drew business owner John Jolley to Uppingham.

The 60-year-old said: “People come here from far and wide to visit the galleries and antiques shops.

“There are about 10 galleries but I think the more the merrier. I don’t see us competing as art is so subjective.”

He also believes logistically it is in a good place within the centre of England.

John, who lives in Manton, ran a computer software company in Leicester for more than 25 years.

“It was a successful company but my heart has always been with art,” he said.

“I was able to buy paintings but because I started to collect them I ended up with not enough space.

“I ended up selling them and then buying more.”

This was when John decided to combine his love for art and IT skills to create websites Oakham Fine Art Gallery and Oakham Contemporary Art, which sell pieces from emerging artists.

However, this resulted in prospective customers wanting to view the art having to visit John at his home or him having to travel the country to see them.

“I thought ‘this is absolutely crazy’,” said John. “Living five minutes from Uppingham which is a real hotspot for galleries, I decided to create The Rutland Gallery.”

While the price of art ranges from £400 to £18,000 John offers interest-free payments over 10 months which he says make the pieces more affordable.

The gallery will be open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays as well as by appointments the other days.