Fine art gallery to replace Toys of Ringwood shop in Furlong

The popular Toys of Ringwood shop, which closed in March, will be replaced by a Clarendon Fire Art gallery in a first for The Furlong shopping centre.

Specialising in original works, limited editions and sculptures from emerging and established artists, it is hoped the new boutique art gallery will become a “cultural destination” for the New Forest market town.

The gallery will also boast a collection of rare, signed editions from 20th century artists including Pablo Picasso, David Hockney and Andy Warhol.

Regarding how the gallery will operate, a Furlong spokesperson said: “Their services are designed to make art acquisition an uplifting and refreshing experience, and include; personal appointments in the gallery or your home, artist commissioning, interest free credit, bespoke insurance, gift list services and many more.”

Furlong marketing manager Charlie Reed said: “We are delighted to announce that Clarendon Fine Art will be opening a boutique art gallery with us in The Furlong shopping centre.

Toys in Ringwood's Furlong shopping centre

“We are looking forward to becoming a cultural destination for anybody with an interest in art from original works, to limited editions and sculpture.”

Reacting to the news on social media, some residents were pleased by the new concept for the town. One woman said: “It'll be great for local artists to have representation.”

Others, however, expressed concern that the space would not continue as a toy shop. One said: “It is a shame that it isn't going to remain as a toy shop. It always seemed popular and we used it a lot over the years.”

This comes soon after the announcement that the former Aga store in The Furlong, a stone’s throw away from the Toys shop, would be replaced by high end women’s activewear retailer Sweaty Betty.

An opening date for the art gallery is not yet known.