Alan, a former chemist, and Norah, an IT consultant, visited Orkney in 1997 and our hearts have never really left. We have lived in Birsay since 2001, having bought a plot of land overlooking the Brough of Birsay and Marwick Bay in 2000. and have combined our passions for photography and machine embroidery, the results of which can be seen on display at our gallery in Harray, where visitors are invited to browse our photographic display boards, view a range of embroidered goods, watch both Alan and Norah's work in progress, through the workshop viewing window, and to discuss custom ideas or commissions.
Alan had an interest in photography from an early age, but his career never allowed the time to do anything serious about it. Over more recent years, we have both travelled extensively with our cameras and as well as images from Orkney's rich diversity of photo opportunities, we love to share with visitors images from our travels as independent travellers, making up our own itineraries, and with professional photographers to Africa, North America and Europe, learning and sharing some great experiences in some spectacular and off the beaten track parts of the world. The results are some dramatic landscape, seascape, wildlife and night sky images.
At the gallery, Alan reproduces photographs using a large format printer and offers these for sale on a wide selection of photographic papers and canvases. Stretched canvases, pH neutral mounted prints and rolled prints, for ease of transport, are all available, with a variety of sizes to choose from. We also print customers own images.
Machine embroidery started as a hobby for Norah (she says she doesn't have the patience for hand embroidery), and with the acquisition of multi-needle machines she has been able to expand her repertoire.
Norah's embroidered goods include soft furnishings, such as tableware, towels and lampshades, to flora and fauna wall art and delicate lace gifts and jewellery, as well as greetings and occasions cards. She has an extensive portfolio of designs, and the full range of Madeira threads to choose from for made to order items.
We welcome commissions and goods made to order can be shipped worldwide.
From time to time, guest photographers or artists will also be displaying their work at the gallery. Our current guest artist is Francis Robson, a fine artist and musician based in Northumberland.
Please see below for our currently restricted Gallery Opening Hours. Please visit our website for on-line sales www.aries.gallery
Gallery Opening times:
1 April - 31 October 2022 Tue - Fri 10am - 4pm, and the First Sunday of each month 10am - 4pm
Other times by arrangement - please call us on 07770 614399 or 07941 608603.
WE REQUEST VISITORS TO PLEASE:-
- DO NOT ENTER WITHOUT A FACE COVERING
- DO USE THE HAND SANITISER PROVIDED
- DO FOLLOW THE ONE-WAY SYSTEM FLOOR MARKINGS
- DO STAY 2 METRES DISTANT FROM OTHERS AT ALL TIMES USING THE FLOOR MARKINGS
- IF NECESSARY, ALLOW VISITORS TO STEP OUT BEFORE YOU ENTER THROUGH THE DOOR – TO MAINTAIN DISTANCE
- IF YOU, OR ANY OF YOUR PARY, HAS OR SUSPECTS YOU MAY HAVE COVID-19 SYMPTOMS PLEASE DO NOT ENTER
- TOUCH POINTS e.g. DOOR HANDLES CLEANED FREQUENTLY
- WE ARE NOT CURRENTLY PROVIDING REFRESHMENTS
- MAXIMUM 12 PEOPLE IN THE GALLERY AT ANY ONE TIME
Directions:
From the A965 Kirkwall - Stromness road, turn onto A986 towards Harray and Dounby for 2.5 miles. Turn left into Netherbrough Road, just after passing the Harray Potter on your left. We are 200 yards on the right.
Facilities:
> Parking
> Payments accepted by credit card / Paypal / cash
> Worldwide shipping
> Disabled access
> Viewing window
> Commissions welcome
