About

‘The Beach’ has been created by local artist Mark Vellacott, whose ambition is to develop a fine arts and creative venue in Teddington. Mark was born in the Richmond area, but spent his early years never far from the beach in North Devon, and more recently in Australia.

Mark is a portrait sculptor whose work has been exhibited in the UK, and has bronze copies of his portraits in Australia and the US.

Mark seeks to develop a community-based arts project which pays homage to his artist heritage while redeveloping a neglected building for public use - a gallery, café and artist studio providing a vibrant fine-arts venue and creative spaces, where local artists can develop their talent and exhibit alongside the work of established local, national and international artists.

The venue is being designed with inclusivity as a central theme. It is also intended to provide subsidised art courses, in particular for those who act as carers to Richmond residents. The café and gallery will allow the public to have a direct relationship with the work on display, creating a multi-functional venue which can be integrated into the area, and become a communal arts hub for the local area.