A new modern art gallery has opened at the top of Maldon High Street, displaying a range of paintings, sculptures and ceramics by British artists.

The Gallery Maldon officially opened on September 1 in a ceremony attended by a number of artists and residents. 

Maldon Mayor, Andrew Lay, led the ribbon cutting alongside local Artist and Gallery Owner, Joanna Milne.

Housed in a 15th-century Grade II listed building in the heart of Maldon, The Gallery aims to provide much more than a space for art - hoping to become a community hub where art enthusiasts and collectors can connect, explore, and enjoy the work on display.

The outside of The Gallery from the High Street, showcasing two of Joanna's paintings, 'Abstract Thought' and 'Unbecoming'. (Photo: Joanna Milne)

The historic location offers a stylish juxtaposition to the stunning abstract and brightly coloured contemporary artwork filling the space. 

Gallery Owner Joanna told Nub News how exciting it is to be finally opening the Gallery - a dream she has had since she began pursuing art professionally: "I just wanted to create a really vibrant space in an old building that had a lot of character.

"It was important to me to make a space really inviting and welcoming, not stuffy like some other galleries can be.

"By making it personable and approachable, I hope people can just come in and feel like they're stepping into someone's home.

"I wanted to create a space for the community, a little hub, because there didn't seem to be anything around that was similar."

'Bubbles Full Of Dreams' and 'Only Way Is Up' by local Artist BRT. (Photo: Chloe Brewster)

The Gallery displays a curated collection of both Joanna's work, and the work of 13 other British artists.

After studying art at university, Joanna had originally left art behind as a career, diving instead into music and then into the Corporate world - leaving art to a hobby. 

When the Covid Pandemic hit in 2020, it gave her the opportunity to connect fully with her creative side once again, finding solace in her art at such a precarious time.

"I really love abstract and semi-abstract art, so when choosing artworks to include in the gallery I focused on work that really resonated with me, because in doing that I felt like I was being authentic." Joanna says.

"Does it make me feel anything? Do I like it? Whether it's composition or colours - whatever it is in the piece of work - do I resonate with it? It's as simple as that."

Gallery Owner, Joanna Milne, infront of Paul Treasures oil painting 'Pochard'. (Photo: Chloe Brewster)

Joanna hopes to hold events at the gallery in future, suggesting the possibility of workshops and evening activities. 

You can visit the gallery at No.14 Maldon High Street, or browse the pieces on the website, here.