A NEW Art Gallery could open in the heart of Thornton Village if plans are approved.
A proposal has been lodged with Bradford Council for the Grade II listed property on Market Street, which currently has residential use.
The nomination was submitted by engraver Patrick Whitehead.
“Historically the property was a business with living quarters and in Victorian times operated as an apothecary,” he says in the application.
“The house has been modernized and updated by the previous owners and the front of the premises has been split into two rooms with an adjoining bathroom/laundry room.
“I intend to keep the current layout in-house as I don’t want or need any building work.
“The plans submitted show that I would use both rooms as an art gallery to display my prints, with Gallery 1 also being my studio where clients can see exactly what the print entails.
“The front of the building has two large glass cases which I would use to display my framed prints which would change regularly, especially when I complete new work.”
He adds: “I can confirm that there will be no physical changes to the rooms.
“The exterior – which faces Market Street has been painted Viridian Green with cream accents and sills.
“I will not be making any physical alterations to the facade. I only need permission to have signage on the fascia above the windows with my proposed name for the gallery which will be ‘The Apothecary Gallery’.
“It will be in gilded Victorian script to reflect the age and period of the building and to sympathize with its Grade II listed status whilst being in a conservation area.
“The proposed name reflects the premises’ earlier incarnation in Victorian times as an apothecary.”
Mr Whitehead adds: “My art gallery proposal would enhance the visual and aesthetic quality of Market Street as well as complement the other businesses that already exist on the street and encourage increased interest in the street and hopefully and would contribute to the life and interest within the thriving community of Thornton.”
He says he doesn’t think the proposal will affect parking or traffic and adds: ‘I anticipate my proposal will be a boon to the village of Thornton as I will return the property to the commercial use for which it was originally intended. as well as maintaining the facade to a high standard.”
