Cupola Gallery: The Yorkshire gallery punching above its weight for 35 years

It’s the small Sheffield gallery that has long punched well above its weight when it comes to artistic talent.

And now Cupola – beloved by many artists both local and nationwide – is celebrating its 35th anniversary.

In the midst of a recession – and nestled in between a launderette and a betting shop – owner Karen Sherwood said she could have never predicted its continuing success.

Speaking ahead of a party which will celebrate the anniversary at the end of August, Ms Sherwood said: “It has been one hell of a journey.

“Recession, Supertram works, financial crash, Covid pandemic, flood, structural building disaster, etc but also fantastic diverse shows from artists of national and international repute from almost every country in the world alongside locally based talent.

“In the 35 years of trading we have shown the work of more than 10,000 artists across every conceivable medium.

“Not only have we shown painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, glass, ceramics, textiles and jewellery.

“But we have showcased automata, installations, conceptual art, performance art, sound art, film, video, a fashion show and even wheelchair dance.

“We have hosted, on average, a breathless turnover of approximately 10 gallery exhibitions per year across our four exhibition spaces and our award winning sculpture garden.

“It was and continues to be a rather crazy ride.”

More than 150 artists are being represented at the gallery’s summer exhibition in celebration of the anniversary.

Ms Sherwood said: “Although Cupola cannot possibly celebrate 10,000 artists in one show we are doing what we can to try to celebrate the incredible diversity and talent of artists by hosting a salon type show – think Royal Academy Summer Show, with over 150 artists representing the diversity for which Cupola prides itself.

“Well known, regularly represented, artists will sit alongside those who are exhibiting for the first time. It will be a busy show, bursting with life and creativity.

“It aims to be a celebration of artistic talent. All works are for sale and visitors, of all ages, are always welcome.”

Her fellow curator Graham Shapley said: “Herding cats! Artists are always a challenge to wrangle into an exhibition and this one even more so.

“That’s part of the fun and joy of working here. Despite the frustrations you are always challenged and surprised at the creativity of the wonderful people whose work we have the privilege of showing.”

In addition to the celebratory visual art exhibition, the power of the gallery will also be marked in the written word.

The gallery owners have commissioned a new poem by award winning locally based poet, Chris Jones, to decorate an external wall.

This will be on display in time for the party on Sunday August 30.