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Chris Elliott is one of the youngest entrepreneurs to feature as the Bay business personality of the month. He is well-known as the pleasant owner of the Coastal Gallery and wine bar in the refurbished Ice House -- part of the prestigious SA1 development. This is the latest and largest in his chain of three art galleries in South and West Wales and has exceeded its business plan projections within six months of the official opening.

 

Chris’ wife Lorna, as the director with the artistic background, influences all purchasing decisions for the art galleries. Coastal Gallery acquires pictures from artist’s agents, direct from artists, from other London art galleries and from international art Expos.

 

“We select high quality art from renowned artists,” says Chris. “We source pictures by award winning UK painters and from around the world.” At the moment the Ice House Coastal Gallery is exhibiting the work of Rebecca Lardner, Britain’s Artist of the Year.

 

Coastal Galleries is geared for online sales and has a proactive approach to the customer interface using a web based database which enables the marrying of a buyer’s preferences with paintings that match these criteria.

 

Chris has a disarmingly cosy approach to the whole business of purchasing pictures. “I want to take the snobbery out of the art gallery scene,” explains Chris. “The Ice House is a total pleasurable experience, where customers enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine while they consider their choice of purchase in a relaxed manner.”

 

“I’ve worked in a lot of different milieus,” adds Chris. “I have found this to be the nicest industry to be involved in.”

 

The Man

Name: Chris Elliott

1976: Started life in England

1983: Went to Rydal boarding school in Colwyn Bay

1994: Finished school. Went to do law in Northampton University

1995 : Dropped out and did various jobs

1996 : Started specializing in retail management. Manager at an art gallery in Milton Keynes

1997 :Managed ten art galleries for the Artizan group in London

 

The Business

2006 : Set up his first art gallery in Saundersfoot. Completely self-financed

2007 : Set up second art gallery in Narberth

2009 : Sets up an art gallery cum wine bar in the refurbished Ice House in the SA1 development

2011: More art galleries to be added to the chain.