‘ART IN EVERYTHING’: Gallery One champions regional artists

Inspired by the retail stores of the world’s greatest galleries and museums, Gallery One launched in the the UAE in 2006 and has since emerged as the region’s leading cultural retailer. Driven by the one core philosophical belief, ‘Art in Everything’, Gallery One has grown into a inspired network of eclectic retail spaces, which showcase and sell accessible and affordable regional artwork within beautifully packaged products and creative gifts, many of which are inspired by regional pattern, motifs, calligraphy and designs.

Gallery One Founder, Gregg Sedgwick, said that since its inception, the company had constantly been on the search for new artistic talent: “whether it’s an artist, painter or photographer, or a product designer with a brilliant idea, newness is the lifeblood of retail. We are therefore becoming increasingly recognised for our unique retail ranges, which exude cultural provenance, beautiful packaging and regional relevance. Our vision is to become one the world’s most prominent cultural retail brands, and we soon hope to see Gallery One in cities, airports, hotels and resorts all over the world”.

Sedgwick said the Company was wholly committed to applying its design philosophy as it continued to expand across other regions throughout the world, describing Gallery One as “the antithesis of the ‘elitism’ often associated with the gallery genre”.

“I have built a retail format that is replicable and accessible. Setting ourselves apart from the homogenous global brands, we work with regional and international artists and designers as a starting point for design and inspiration. Our “Art in Everything” philosophy is the driving principle of all Gallery One artworks, products and merchandise designed, produced and sold. And wherever we go, our brand ethos will follow,” he said.

Celebrated Gallery One artist, Khalid Shahin, said the most appealing part of the stores were their beautifully curated collections of creative products, which conveyed a culture rich in artistry.

“It is a space filled with positive energy. Even if you are not an art addict and are simply looking for small gift items or souvenirs, you will always find a beautiful piece to suit your budget and taste. As an artist I am creatively inspired by the beauty of Islamic art, patterns, geometry, calligraphy and ancient Islamic architecture and I find it wonderful to see my artwork produced in many interesting ways through Gallery One’s collections,” he said.  

In April 2016 Gallery One also launched The Gallery Workshop, an independent Company designed to provide art print and framing facilities for the retail group. Today, it is the largest framing facility in the region with a capacity to produce more than 10,000 artworks per month.

In 2017, Gallery One will achieve another major milestone; its products will be sold through 100 retail channels, including 14 of its own stores. Other retail partnerships include Home Centre, Hallmark and Virgin Megastores. The company is working towards achieving 300 retail channels by the end of 2018.