Interview: Kirsten Kruse – 45 Southside Art Gallery

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?

I run and own 45 Southside together with my business partner Mathias Landwehr. We are both originally from Hamburg in Germany. I worked in cabinet-making after leaving school before moving to London in 1997 to study. I was very fortunate to work for some big museums in London, Vienna and the States before moving to Plymouth in 2005. I have loved living here and have enjoyed everything Plymouth has to offer ever since. Mathias moved to Plymouth in 2008 and we opened 45 Southside in May 2009.

What can visitors to your gallery expect to see?

We show an always changing range of wood, textile, ceramics, glass and metalwork made by artists based in Devon or Cornwall. More and more of our artist are Plymouth based. During spring and autumn we run a series of temporary exhibitions featuring the work of our artists in more depth and range as well as the work of ‘guest’ artists. These are accompanied by talks, demonstrations and opportunities to meet and talk to the artists.

We sell a wide variety of work in all price ranges from small gifts to large unique pieces of art, all handmade in Devon or Cornwall.

You have a website, twitter and facebook page. How have you found these have helped your business?

Many visitors to Plymouth carry out a bit of research into their interests from home and a web-site is a useful tool to show a small cross-section of what we do. We have a news section which gets updated every week and also includes other exhibitions in Plymouth and events on the Barbican. Social Media is essential for business networking and to keep customers up to date with new work and upcoming events.

What is your favourite piece of art work you’ve had in your gallery?

I have many favourites and it is always difficult to choose. Today I really like the elegance and serenity of Melanie Guy’s work in pewter “Foreshore”.

If an artist would like to show their art work, how can they contact you?

Artists based in Devon or Cornwall can e-mail us with some images of their work and a little bit about themselves initially. We reply to all enquiries.

What are the 45 Southside’s plans for the future?

In the immediate future we have an exhibition coming up by Helen Edwards, a mixed media textile artist in September followed by three of this year’s Plymouth College of Art graduates later in autumn. In the long-term we are looking to expand our artist base and the range of events and activities we can offer.

Where can people found out more about the 45 Southside?

You can
- join our mailing list by emailing arts@45southside.co.uk
- look at our web-site www.45southside.co.uk, where you can also subscribe to updates from our news section via www.45southside.co.uk/Ispy45
- follow us on twitter @45Southside
- find us on facebook ‘fortyfive southside’
- or simply visit us and talk to us. We are open 7 days a week 10am – 5.30pm

What is your view on the Barbican today?

In recent years the Barbican has undergone some big changes. Plenty of new shops and reastaurants have opened. Businesses are moving to the area attracted by the vibrant yet laid back feel. We have a unique position with the historic connections and the harbour as well as Plymouth Hoe and Plymouth Sound only a few steps away. It is a great place to come to work and visit.

Is there anything you’d like to see changed on the Barbican?

I would like to see more attention being paid by Plymouth City Council to the historic character and significance to tourism of the area. The visitor experience would improve a lot by declaring some areas pedestrian only.

Finally, what would you say about the Barbican to locals / tourists who have never visited it before?

There is so much to discover. Take some time to get lost, explore the alleyways to discover small independent shops, museums and secluded gardens. Remember the many historic charcters that have walked on the cobbles. Enjoy a coffee or meal in one of the many cafes and restaurants. It is also one of the best places in Plymouth to see live music. Something for everyone.

Be sure to read more interviews with local Businesses and the people who make the Barbican what it is today.