Opening times

Monday - Saturday: 10.00 - 17.00

Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays.

About Us

We are a specialist independent art shop and gallery in the heart of Durham City on the pilgrim route from the Market Place to Durham Cathedral, a World Heritage site. Our quaint multi­levelled shop stocks original paintings, prints and gifts on the ground and mezzanine floors with a variety of artists’ materials on the top floor. We also offer a bespoke framing service. Our staff are a team of artists who can give personal advice on your projects or ideas for gifts.

Our History

‘Behind No. 61 Saddler Street a theatre stood from 1792 to 1850. Stephen Kemble, who lived at “The Grove” opposite Durham School, was the manager for some years. His famous sister, Mrs. Siddons, is said to have appeared more than once at his theatre. He is buried at the east end of the Cathedral. He is said to have weighed 30 stone at one time and was able to play Falstaff without padding’

Taken from ‘A Short Tour of Durham’ by B. Colgrave and C.W. Gibby first published 1947.

62 Saddler Street has been an Art Shop & Gallery for around 40 years as we now know it. Named after the theatre that previously sat behind the building, it is rumoured that the actors used the rooms above the shop as dressing rooms. The building is over 500 years old and is one of the last timber framed buildings left in Durham.

Over the years we have seen a few famous faces including Martin Shaw (George Gently), Dennis Lawson (New Tricks), Bill Bryson (Author) and Jools Holland (Musician).

The Gallery

We have a variety of original pictures and prints on display in our gallery. Specialising in images of Durham and the local area, we have a wide range of contemporary and traditional styles on offer. Please browse our art sections for a view of what we have on offer.

Artist Materials

We continue to stock a wide range of artist quality materials to suit all needs. We are the main local stockists of Winsor & Newton, and also have supplies of brushes, papers, sketchbooks, mount board, linocutting materials, crafting materials and more. Please visit our shop on Saddler Street to find our comprehensive range of materials, or contact us to find out if we have what you need for your project.

Framing

We offer a bespoke framing service which is completed off premises with our framer of over 25 years. Please feel free pop into our shop for a free quote and advice. Framing is taken to the workshop each Friday, and is returned the following week.

Gifts

We also have an expanding selection of gifts including calligraphy sets, bags and purses.

Artists

If you are interested in displaying work with us, please email us at kemblegallery@gmail.com with some examples of your work and we will consider you for display in the gallery.