Sponsored feature for Wayfarers Shopping Arcade by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
A stylish art studio and shop is enjoying life inside the stunning Wayfarers Shopping Arcade on Lord Street in Southport.
Gallery More, which also offers a quality picture framing service, was previously tucked away upstairs above the ArtHouse Gallery on Eastbank Street.
Owner and artist Deborah Flynn was keen to expand her creative business and thought the 126-year-old Victorian era arcade was the perfect place to welcome customers.
She has lived in locations including Valencia in Spain and Bath in England, but feels right at home in Southport.
Wayfarers Shopping Arcade is fast becoming a real creative hub for the town, with local artist Ruth Ryder establishing a new studio on the first floor, regular pop-up shops by Sefton Artists and a variety of creative events held regularly.
Taking up the new mantle ‘Studio and Shop’, Deb offers a product / service concept where the customer experience is just as important as the product and service itself.
Gallery More is more than a quality, open plan, bespoke framers, it is also a welcoming environment where you can view carefully curated artworks as well as meet Deb and chat about your framing needs in a friendly and safe space.
Inspired by wood, raw materials and attention to detail, Gallery More is a fresh, aesthetically pleasing studio in the heart of Southport town centre.
Deb said: “I opened in Wayfarers Shopping Arcade about a year and a half ago and I’m thrilled to be based here. It’s such a beautiful location.
“I’d love for more people to know about my business and what I offer.
“Being above the ArtHouse was great, but as my offerings grew, the space became too small, and I needed to expand.
“I was eager to grow from running a small picture framing service to opening a gallery space that provided a selection of artworks from local artists and offering a bespoke service that covers all picture framing needs.”
“We have a wide range of frames available, and as an artist myself, I understand what type of frame complements different artworks. I’m always happy to discuss options with anyone who comes in. It’s really important to make sure the frame and the artwork are a good match.”
“We have so much artistic talent here in Southport and its surrounding environs. Shoppers can come in and find all kinds of things—artwork, pottery, ceramics, textiles, silkscreen prints, photography, handmade journals and cards, and so much more.
“We even have some incredible 19th-century Japanese wood prints.
“Being inside Wayfarers Shopping Arcade is fantastic. When this unit became available, I knew it was such a unique and beautiful space.
“I’ve loved Wayfarers Arcade since I was a child. It’s always been known for its amazing, one-of-a-kind, independent shops.
“Times have been tough for the arcade, especially after the Covid pandemic, but recently, we’ve had some exciting new arrivals like The Engine Room, Design by Gavriela, Lily May, Ruthie Illustrations, Watchcraft, and others.
“Even though Beales department store closed, local businesses are still investing here, and seeing new faces come in over the past few months has been really encouraging.
“There’s still so much potential for new businesses to set up. A wine shop, cheese shop, or even a chocolate shop would do really well here.
“This is a great spot for quality independent shopping, and I’m excited to see more businesses move in.”
On entering our shop, customers walk through a unique creative environment where you can see the work that goes on behind the scenes.
The framing practice can be seen towards the rear of the shop, with the gallery and shop space located at the front.
There are curated art works and prints showcasing new talent and shop favourites from Southport and beyond.
Gallery More specialises in hand finished, quality frames perfectly suited to your project. There is specific emphasis on high quality and bespoke hand made products and they offer in-person consultations.
Opening hours are:
Monday / By Appointment
Tuesday / 10am – 4pm
Wednesday / 10am – 4pm
Thursday / 10am – 4pm
Friday / 10am – 4pm
Saturday / 10am – 4pm
Sunday / Closed
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrownn@gmail.com
