'The Breeze Gallery', Bob Corsie

The speaker was Bob Corsie, Managing Director of the Breeze Gallery. It was opened in Peebles in 2004 and now has branches in Jenners, Edinburgh and Loch Lomond, along with North Berwick and the Merchant City in Glasgow. They also have a presence at other events such as the Edinburgh Festival, the Highland Show and other arts events.

The recession had made them rethink some of the strategies for the business and, as a result, had probably made them stronger. A number of changes had been made. For example they now sold little furniture.  

They supply original paintings and sculptures from a wide variety of artists along with a wide range of limited edition prints. Bob had brought one or two of these prints with him and some other items which were passed round for Club members to examine. Everyone agreed that the quality of these was excellent.

He also passed round a dramatic sample showing the advantages of clarity glass. This is a non-reflective picture frame glass. The anti-reflective properties reduce unwanted reflections allowing viewing of the artwork as intended showing true colours without distortions.

Breeze Gallery has a modern web site showing items for sale in considerable detail. It is fully interactive allowing a client to purchase items on line. 

Following a question and answer session Bob handed out envelopes containing some advertising material along with a gift card.

The Club’s vote of thanks was given by Ian Clarkson who mentioned that, at one time, he too had managed an art gallery!

Report by Alan Young