Fosse Gallery — Attraction in Cotswold District

I have been visiting (and buying paintings from) this gallery since 1998 and have never been sold a painting! Invariably I have been left to browse without any pressure - if the gallery owner, Sharon, is as busy as usual, either on the phone or with another visitor, well that is normal. I now have walls full of paintings by a wide variety of artists. A few days ago, I took a friend who had not been to the Fosse Gallery before but had been intrigued by what she identified as the development in Lucy Pratt’s work between her previous exhibition in 2016 and the current one. She wanted to see the actual paintings, images of which she had seen in the invitation. Eve was overwhelmed, not only by the paintings but also by the welcome that she received and by Sharon’s knowledge of the artist and the paintings and her willingness to give time to discuss and explain. As a bonus, we were also able to see and talk about the next exhibition, by George Underwood, as many of his paintings were in the gallery, waiting to be hung. By way of an aside, this is a gallery I would have wanted to take students to when I was teaching! The friendly face of art galleries – paintings will be bought but not as a result of even slightly...

Dear me, what condescending and touchy staff, I felt like an old fool for thinking aloud. It's not cricket chaps. Thankfully I found that the English tradition of good manners is alive and well at the Red Rag Gallery where I received a courteous welcome.

(Regarding the owner's response below) May I say that actions speak louder than words, however conciliatory. Pride in one's welcome does not entail speaking to an old gent' in a condescending and dismissive manner. Poor show chaps, I'm deducting a star.

Response from the owner20 hours ago I'm so sorry to hear that you had a poor experience at our gallery. We take pride on being welcoming and helpful to all our visitors. My sincere apologies and I hope you'll visit the gallery again. Best wishes, Sharon Wheaton (Fosse...

I visit the Fosse Gallery each time Sharon has an Exhibition or whenever I am visiting Stow-on-the-Wold. The Gallery is a gorgeous quiet haven to visit with the most wonderful, intimate atmosphere, always a warm welcome from Sharon and always the most amazing number of wonderful paintings for sale on the walls. I have bought many of the paintings by my favourite artists for my new cottage and they all look so good in their new home. It is extremely hard to come out of the Gallery without buying a painting! I could not recommend this Gallery more highly for a visit - please put on your list when next visiting Stow-on-the-Wold or even make that special journey to visit - you will not be...