Home Meets… Marianthi and Clare from The Lake Gallery – Local Wirral Business Owner Q & A

Since opening our brand new estate agency in July last year we have met a number of local independent business owners and have really enjoyed getting to know a little bit about them and their businesses. We thought it would be great fun to share their answers and stories from a series of questions during a recent meeting. In this latest instalment we got the low down from the owners of the coolest art gallery around… Marianthi, Helen and Clare from The Lake Gallery!

When did you open the Lake Gallery?

The end of September 2022

What was the inspiration behind the business and is their a particular place you have been to which influenced you?

The past couple of years has sadly seen the closure of several art galleries across the peninsula, and we felt that West Kirby was the sort of place that should have a gallery. 

What did you do before you started the Lake Gallery?

We’re an artist-led partnership and all three of us have worked as self-employed artists for many years. Helen Smith works in glass, Clare Flinn is a painter and printmaker and Marianthi Lainas uses photography and mixed media techniques.  We’re all continuing to create our own work alongside our new venture… life is very busy at the moment!

Describe your business in one line?

Bringing high quality fine art and contemporary craft to the people of Wirral.

Who are your customers?

Anyone looking to add a little personality to their home. We hope that the gallery will become an established destination for visitors to discover and buy exciting and affordable contemporary artwork.

Is there anything new or exciting that you are planning?

We have lots of exciting plans for 2023 – exhibitions, artists talks … watch this space!

What challenges does the Lake Gallery face?

The current economic situation is obviously challenging, but we’re thrilled with the response to the gallery so far. Marketing is a never-ending task – we’re working hard to get the word out to people that we are here.  And in a perfect world we’d also love more space in the gallery to show more beautiful artwork!

Quick five!!?

Favourite colour?  We all love blue  (and very specifically cobalt blue for Clare!)

Favourite song/musician? Japan (Marianthi), Joni Mitchell (Clare) and too many to choose for Helen..

Favourite hobby? Clare and Marianthi love the great outdoors, walking and nature watching. Helen can’t stay out of the glass studio, and loves experimenting…it doesn’t count as work when she’s playing…

Football/sports team? The lionesses, for all they are doing for women’s football 

Worst habit? Procrastination – we’re all guilty of that!

Thank you to the ladies at The Lake Gallery for taking the time to answer our questions and have a bit of fun with us in the process. We were delighted to hear that our new neighbours were going to be a local independent gallery and it’s great to see people passing by to explore the amazing work in the shop along the way from us. Get yourself down to Grange Road, West Kirby and check out their latest ‘OPEN’ exhibition on until the end of January. https://www.thelakegallery.co.uk/