A new independent art space is opening its doors on Abbeydale Road today, bringing together 19 South Yorkshire artists for its debut exhibition, Bee Sting Cake.
The Shop – a new studio and exhibition venue run by Sheffield artist Nick Grindrod – officially launches this evening, with the group show running from 14–28 May. Alongside exhibitions, the space aims to give people the chance to buy original artwork from local artists in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
For Nick, the opening marks another chapter in a career that has taken him from Sheffield art student to exhibiting in galleries across London, Singapore and California.
As with many artists, the pandemic unexpectedly changed everything. Unable to continue his decorating work during lockdown, he turned fully towards painting and began sharing work online through the Artist Support Pledge initiative.
I started making work, put it on Instagram, and it just went a bit crazy,” he tells Exposed. “I was constantly making work, day in, day out, and people seemed to want it.”
That momentum led to solo shows in London and representation from galleries in Bristol, Singapore and California. Nick joined Bloc Studios, which he described as “a bastion of community for local artists in Sheffield”, before eventually moving to his own studio space in Hunters Bar.
When a more affordable spot on Abbeydale Road became available, he went to view it and the layout quickly got the cogs whirring. “I saw it had two rooms. It’s got a shop window looking out onto the street. I thought, why the hell not? Let’s open something up here.”
The Shop occupies a former retail space on Abbeydale Road, an area he sees as an increasingly vibrant artery for the city’s independent culture
“Everyone knows there’s a good vibe to the neighbourhood. There are a lot of new local businesses opening and it still feels accessible. It’s got that social community aspect to it.”
Just as importantly, he hopes The Shop can fill an important niche by providing a small, accessible gallery space that promotes local creative talent and strengthens the link between artists and the public.
“There aren’t many spaces like this for artists in Sheffield,” he explains. “There are loads of studios, but in terms of accessible exhibition spaces, you’ve got Cupola Gallery, you’ve got Fronteer Gallery and very little else apart from pop-up scenarios.”
The opening exhibition, curated alongside artists Sean Williams and Kate Jacob, brings together painters, sculptors and mixed-media artists from across Sheffield and South Yorkshire.
“There’s some incredible work in here,” says Nick, walking around the space a few hours ahead of opening night. “A lot of these are artists I’ve known and shown with over the years, so it’s great to bring the work and people together tonight.”
Creating a community feel around The Shop is central to his belief that galleries should feel approachable rather than intimidating. “People have this thing about art galleries being scary or judgemental places. This isn’t a bit like that. People are welcome to just pop in and have a look around or a chat.”
That accessibility extends to the work itself. As well as browsing exhibitions, visitors will be able to purchase original pieces directly from artists.
“I don’t think there’s anything better than putting an original piece of artwork on your wall,” he says. “If you love it, it’s worth its weight in gold.”
Nick will continue using part of The Shop as his own studio, where he creates textured abstract works inspired by years spent renovating old buildings around Sheffield.
“A lot of it comes from stripping away layers of wallpaper and paint,” he explains. “All these unusual stains, colours and patinas that bounce off each other. I like to embrace the chaos of it.”
For now, though, the focus is on opening the doors and seeing how the space evolves.
Alongside future group exhibitions, he hopes to host solo shows later in the year, helping build a stronger platform for local artists in the process.
Bee Sting Cake runs from 14–28 May at The Shop on Abbeydale Road. Opening times are Tuesday to Saturday, 10am–4pm. Follow @theshopsheffield for updates.
