Landmark store transformed into art gallery

An art gallery was packed as it opens in the city centre.

Kellie Miller Art (KMA) gallery opened its doors to invited guests on Friday evening in its new Church Street home.

The former Dockerills hardware store was bubbling with people from all backgrounds, and decorated with fascinating paintings, potteries and various artistic pieces.

The two floors were filled with people from all over the country (Image: Ramy Abou-Setta / The Argus)Prior to the gallery taking over the lease, the store was home to the last Dockerills standing, though the business has been running since 1915 when Walter Dockerill opened a store in Edward Street.

The Dockerill family bought the Church Street unit in the 1970s and it had been a constant in the North Laine ever since.

The move saw the KMA gallery double in size and extend its collection of original and unique artworks.

The KMA gallery represents and works with more than 100 artists, and has been operating in the city for 11 years.

It offers a range of paintings, ceramics, sculptures and more from local, national and international artists.

The gallery is run by artist and curator Kellie Miller, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry.

At the opening evening, she told The Argus how she hopes to create a “legacy” that could “respect and come close” to that of the 100 years in Dockerills in Brighton.

She said: “The reception to the gallery has been absolutely exceptional, and it has been a long time in the making.

“We had been searching for the right place in the city for the last seven years, and then this place went up on the market.

“We will be putting our money into the local community, into the local trade and making sure that this benefits Brighton as a whole.

“We host work by local and international artists, in this manner we would like to attract others to Brighton and to explore the city, as it’s wonderful.”