Art dealer and framer Simon Beadle is settling his business in the old building on Berkshire St and catching up with frame orders after a fortnight fit-out and a week moving in treasured original works of modern and historical art.
''I'm delighted with it because it's a much lighter space, well insulated and works far better for me as a workshop and gallery,'' Mr Beadle said.
The gallery had to make way for an Auckland architectural firm which wants to restore the more than 100-year-old former Methodist Church into offices for its staff.
The new look Arrowtown Gallery moved across the old garage forecourt in the same precinct.
It features originals by such art names as Peter Beadle, Russ McLean and bestseller Ann Reid beside one-of-a-kind works by New Zealand luminaries Douglas Badcock, W. Allen Bollard and John Hoyte.
Collectable retro antiques and a range of time pieces dating back to 1895 are on sale.
A tomato red 1964 Fiat 500 is parked inside, as a fun throwback to the building's past use and as a work of art itself, while it awaits final restoration.
The custom framing operation dominates the far end of the building.
''We have frames and mouldings from around New Zealand and the world,'' Mr Beadle said.
''No job is too big or too small.''
• The new gallery also hosts a drawing class taught by award-winning Arrowtown artist David John. About six aspiring artists practise their craft in the gallery every Wednesday from 10am to noon in six weekly lessons. Mr Beadle said the drawing class could be held again if demand called for it. Interested people can contact him at the gallery.
