Heong Gallery, Downing College, Cambridge — Attraction in Cambridge

Think twice before buying art from the gallery. I am very regretful having spent £400 on a print from Heong Gallery. I stored the print at home and once ready, I was extremely excited to take my print to the framers. However upon opening the package with the framer, the print had become damaged. It is evident that this as a result of improper packaging that did not withstand normal handling and storage. The framer was shocked that the print had been packaged in weak corrugated cardboard with just a very thin piece of tissue paper in between the cardboard and the print. They advised that it should have been either rolled or at the least been protected with a smooth mount board if packaging it flat (it is larger than A4). As a result, the corrugations have imprinted on the paper and damaged the print in various places where the cardboard is weak. This was not evident until the print was opened at the framers as it had been in a paper envelope. What started off as a pleasant experience prior to the sale has turned into a regretful and distressing one with a significant of money wasted. The communication with the gallery has been disappointing with no responsibility taken for the inadequate and irresponsible packaging of a £400 art piece.

I have consulted with art framers and artists (who package their own art for sale) and researched online regarding the appropriate ways to package art. There is a consensus that there should be a solid mount board or at least sturdy cardboard with adequate protection between the art and the cardboard (not a thin piece of paper) to protect it during transportation and from damage, especially if corrugated cardboard is chosen as a packaging method (which is not considered the best medium especially for Fine Art).

Throughout my correspondence with Heong Gallery, I have pointed out numerous times that this devastating damage to the art work I have purchased is as a result of improper packaging, however they have not acknowledged or commented on this fact and have instead continued to blame me for damaging the print (by apparently sitting on it/putting significant weight on it which is simply not true as the extent of the damage would have been far greater had this been the case and evidence of this would have been seen on the outer envelope). Their advice has been for me to spend more money on a paper conservator. Their justification is that this has never happened to them before and therefore it cannot be possible. Unfortunately for me this is not a suitable explanation and I am left with a damaged art piece and out of pocket. This is such a shame as I absolutely love the print and was looking forward to displaying it. I would discourage anyone from purchasing art from Heong Gallery to avoid disappointment unless they are prepared to package your desired art piece...

Exhibition: Hockney's Eye The Art and Technology of Depiction- Wednesday 10 August 2022. As someone who has heard of David Hockney, and of his career as an artist, but until now had not been to one of his exhibitions, I must admit that his use of vivid colours is good, and his artwork is different in a good way, he keeps pushing the boundaries, which I suppose is why his career has been so varied. I recommend this exhibition to anyone but they have to be quick as this exhibition here and at the Fitzwilliam Museum ends on 29...

Great gallery space with wonderful staff. The Hockney exhibition is excellent...and take time to watch the video on Hockney talking about Chinese perspective! Oh and look out for Ed in Hockney's' amazing...