2018 UK Excellence Awards

6 Corporate Vision 2018 UK Excellence Award s , TheWhite Fox Gallery is a commercial art gallery, trading in contemporary fine arts (painting, print, art photography, sculpture) design (jewellery, fine furniture) and craft (ceramics, glass, wood turning, textiles). Following their success in CV’s UK Excellence Awards 2018, we profiled theWhite Fox and caught up with one the gallery’s founders, Virginie Renard, who provided us with a glimpse into their successful business. Best Retail Art Gallery 2018 - Scottish Borders Established in Cold- stream in October 2013, the White Fox Gallery is a part- nership founded by painter, Virginie Renard and her partner, photographer, Stephen Whitehorne. Based in the Scottish Borders, only yards from the border with England, the White Fox Gallery specialises in showcasing the outstanding artistic and crea- tive talent for which the area is renowned. The White Fox is proud to host artists and craft makers from both sides of the River Tweed; in other words from the Scottish Borders and from Northumberland whilst also including work from other areas of the UK and from abroad. In their five years of trading, the duo is proud to have developed a wide customer base: everyone is welcome at the White Fox, whether a fine art connoisseur, a craft lover or, simply, a coffee afi- cionado! Regarding their unique- ly personal, all-inclusive ethos, Virginie expands further on the gallery’s approach and how the team creates opportunities for their customers to broaden their interest in the visual arts. “Here at White Fox Gallery, our mission statement is: ‘to offer an environment which stirs the imagination, nourishes the soul and encourages appreciation of the best in human creativity but also demonstrates the equal status of the various art and craft forms. We aspire to broaden interest and participation in the rich and diverse art and craft heritage which thrives in this region. As such, we make every effort to facilitate the purchase of contemporary artwork(s), whilst respecting the very personal aesthetic sensibilities of the buyer as well as offering advice on appropriate purchases for a given context, whether it be domestic or corporate. “This is achieved by both creat- ing and continually updating our displays, ensuring our gallery experience is always an inspira- tional one with consistently high quality art and craft works. We provide platforms to support and promote our artists and makers including organising several exhibitions a year, by taking part in art fairs and by advertising in both print and digital media. It is also important for us to encour- age and provide feedback to our artists as they evolve and develop within their field, offering advice where appropriate. This same, nurturing approach is one we feel is appreciated by our customers too; we look to follow, encourage and advise wherever an individual may be on their personal and particular road of artistic appreciation and discovery.” The White Fox Galley’s internal culture is based on the duo’s passion for the visual arts. But Virginie is keen to highlight just why she believes the White Fox Gallery is a special, ‘one- of-a-kind’ place to shop. An immediate appeal is the bright and spacious ambience of the gallery. However, it is the integrity of the relationships Virginie and Stephen forge with other artists and their unwavering dedica- tion to delivering the very best customer service that has really established their reputation as one of the Borders favourite retail experiences. “They say location is everything and, certainly, the enhanced profile which comes from a high street presence has proved a distinctly positive asset for our business. The gallery also bene- fits from being an unusually large space with a sunny, south-facing aspect. We therefore feel lucky to have the opportunity to display an extensive variety of works in such an inviting, welcoming en- vironment, something much ap- preciated by all of our customers. It is also profoundly gratifying for us to know that our visitors find solace in the relaxed, informal atmosphere of our gallery where we also serve fresh coffee, tea and home baking. This helps sustain interest and contempla- tion of the visual feast on offer, where there is always something for everyone; whether a diminu- tive, ceramic vase for that gap on the mantelpiece or a large and impressive canvas for that empty wall in the boardroom!” Looking ahead to what the future holds, Virginie signs off by high- lighting the progress she hopes will be made by the dynamic pair at White Fox Gallery, especially Jan19283 following their recent success in Corporate Vision’s UK Excel- lence Awards 2018 where they were deserved winners of the accolade Best Retail Art Gallery 2018 - Scottish Borders. “Moving forward, we will continue to increase the profile of our gallery through taking part in more prestigious art fairs whilst also seeking to develop closer, mutually beneficial relationships with the Corporate Sector. “In addition to this, we hope to increase the range of artworks available to our customers be- yond that on display (to include our wider stock). To this end, we will be devising an IT-based presentation interface with the emphasis on providing greater choice and further enhancing the customer experience. With our program of continuing improve- ments to the gallery website, we will also be seeking to increase consumer activity with our online shop. “Finally, we are looking to in- crease the programme of events at the gallery to include evening events such music, poetry reading etc. and other regular workshops apart from the month- ly photography workshops.” Contact: Virginie Renard Company: White Fox Gallery Address: 51 High Street, Coldstream TD12 4DL Telephone: 01890 254 010 Web: www.whitefoxgallery.co.uk TheWhite Fox Gallery

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