HAMBLY & Hambly, an innovative art gallery and cultural hub established four years ago in the landmark Grade II-listed Dunbar House in Enniskillen, is currently hosting a vast exhibition of visual and literary art, ENLIGHTEN.

The exhibition very much follows the gallery’s unique vision as it aims to nurture and grow an artistic community which is all-encompassing, embracing art and artists of all genres, mediums, backgrounds, encouraging a sharing forum whereby established and emerging artists produce and exhibit together in a spirit of co-operative growth and development.

Ciara Hambly, director and curator of Hambly & Hambly, says: “We appreciate and celebrate the artistic spirit and vision to sustain, nurture and develop us all.

“We prioritise the power of the arts to connect our local, national and global communities in an optimistic, forward-thinking way that breaks old concepts and the rigidity of the rules of traditional commercial galleries.

‘New opportunities’

“We are constantly aiming to provide new opportunities for artists to join together and fire each other up in optimism, creativity and hope.”

The launch of ENLIGHTEN was a spectacular event. Welcoming speeches were made by Ciara; international award-winning sculptor Wolfgang Buttress, who has produced an exclusive body of work for Hambly & Hambly in celebration of the ten-year anniversary of RISE, his landmark sculpture in Belfast; and Suzanne Garuda, director of the international award-winning interior design company, Garuda Design, who has sourced art from Hambly & Hambly for major projects over the past four years.

In her welcoming speech, Ciara encouraged involvement from all with her words: “Art has no grammar; art is a language all of its own and is there for everyone to enjoy regardless of your background.”

Wolfgang offered his support of the gallery’s initiatives: “This gallery is nothing short of remarkable. It exists outside the typical gallery system.

“The breadth of work is really fantastic and it’s great to see it inside a domestic setting so it is not intimidating like in a typical ‘white box’ gallery. The welcome is always fantastic. It’s an amazing placel it’s got an amazing spirit.”

Suzanne was also full of praise for the gallery’s superb ethos, saying: “I cannot believe the breadth of art which Ciara has found – the level of talent, just beautiful pieces, such a variety and in this place so far away from everywhere. It is an oasis and a fabulous discovery.”

Hambly & Hambly’s initiatives during the lockdown have emerged in the new exhibition which is a visual record of how art can connect us in isolation to overcome adversity and challenging times.

Most recently, the gallery’s efforts and successes in supporting the arts have been recognised with endorsement and funding for their promotion of the arts in lockdown from the Arts Council Of Northern Ireland.

As part of the new exhibition, Hambly & Hambly have extended the gallery from the original basement and two-storey coach house space to run throughout the three further floors of the domestic home. The array of contemporary art adorning the walls of the 1740s Georgian build is a spectacular and unique sight – an experience to behold.

“It’s a true privilege to showcase world-class art in our beautiful home and to share it with the public. We are blessed to live among such beauty,” said Ciara.