Headlines
Vicky's New Venture
26 November 2019
While Wildwood Gallery in Ewell has only been trading for three months, owner Vicky Kirby brings over 20 years’ experience to this new art and framing shop and has, not surprisingly, hit the ground running. 4walls caught up with Vicky recently and was hugely impressed by her energy, creativity and stunning new gallery.
Vicky’s first job in framing was as a Saturday girl with Frame Express back in the Eighties. She was a manager at 18 and then set up her own business – The Framing Workshop - in Ashtead at the age of 23. The Framing Shop thrived for 15 years. Vicky sold the shop in 2010 when the family relocated with her husband’s job to Belgium and then the US.
Fast forward to 2019 and the Kirby family has been back in Surrey for three years. While busy with two teenage children and two dogs, Vicky noticed that a gap in the market had emerged. The framing shop in Ewell Village had closed, as had three outlets in Epsom. She saw that some lovely high street premises were available and took the plunge!
The still relatively new Wildwood Gallery was launched with a stylish logo and store design, with a commitment to showcase and champion local artists and to offer expert picture framing.
“Business has initially been from passing trade. Local people are telling me they love being able to come in and browse artwork, as well as having a destination for their bespoke framing needs,” she says. Vicky works very collaboratively with her chosen Surrey talent and while she earns commission on paintings, having local creativity on show really helps with her framing offer and the overall experience that she provides for her customers.
Her favourite work includes the imagery here featuring Twiggy, various Hollywood greats and the legendary David Bowie.
One of Vicky’s favourite Larson-Juhl mouldings is Senza – featured here framing her beloved Sprolliedor Bronte! (Springer Spaniel crossed with a Collie/Labrador – what a gorgeous combination!)
Vicky knows Larson-Juhl from her previous framing enterprises and says very kind things about her area sales manager Derrick Hicks, who she says is: “A very unsalesy salesman! My go to man whenever I need some advice. And he knows I am always good for tea and Hobnobs!” We know this is a relationship business so it is great to get feedback like this!
While Wildwood Gallery’s high street presence is bringing in plenty of custom, Vicky is also using Facebook and Instagram to proactively promote her business and has just invested in a Google video tour which you can view here.
We are sure that Wildwood Gallery will go from strength to strength. Great job, Vicky!
Follow Vicky on Instagram and Facebook @wildwoodgallery
gallerywildwood.co.uk
Fast forward to 2019 and the Kirby family has been back in Surrey for three years. While busy with two teenage children and two dogs, Vicky noticed that a gap in the market had emerged. The framing shop in Ewell Village had closed, as had three outlets in Epsom. She saw that some lovely high street premises were available and took the plunge!
The still relatively new Wildwood Gallery was launched with a stylish logo and store design, with a commitment to showcase and champion local artists and to offer expert picture framing.
“Business has initially been from passing trade. Local people are telling me they love being able to come in and browse artwork, as well as having a destination for their bespoke framing needs,” she says. Vicky works very collaboratively with her chosen Surrey talent and while she earns commission on paintings, having local creativity on show really helps with her framing offer and the overall experience that she provides for her customers.
Her favourite work includes the imagery here featuring Twiggy, various Hollywood greats and the legendary David Bowie.
One of Vicky’s favourite Larson-Juhl mouldings is Senza – featured here framing her beloved Sprolliedor Bronte! (Springer Spaniel crossed with a Collie/Labrador – what a gorgeous combination!)
Vicky knows Larson-Juhl from her previous framing enterprises and says very kind things about her area sales manager Derrick Hicks, who she says is: “A very unsalesy salesman! My go to man whenever I need some advice. And he knows I am always good for tea and Hobnobs!” We know this is a relationship business so it is great to get feedback like this!While Wildwood Gallery’s high street presence is bringing in plenty of custom, Vicky is also using Facebook and Instagram to proactively promote her business and has just invested in a Google video tour which you can view here.
We are sure that Wildwood Gallery will go from strength to strength. Great job, Vicky!
Follow Vicky on Instagram and Facebook @wildwoodgallery
gallerywildwood.co.uk
