Found Gallery
The Found Gallery showcases the best of British arts and crafts. We display a diverse and eclectic collection of work from talented makers we have been lucky enough to work and exhibit alongside over the last 20 years. Much of the work can only be bought here or directly from the makers themselves.
The Thrill of a good find…
Beachcombing, salvage yards, skip hunting, market foraging and gallery musing. A great find can happen any time, anywhere. Indeed some of the best appear when you’re not even looking!
And so it was that we happened upon our gallery, the Found. In 2010, my husband Simon and I relocated to Dunbar, on the Scottish East Lothian coast. We had spent many years in London developing my glass jewellery business and Simon’s acupuncture practice, but moved North in search of the things we felt deprived of in the city. We were starting afresh, had lots of ideas but no clear direction.
We saw a LET sign in a local shop window and made a cheeky call to see if we could find out how much it was being let for. We were told the prospective tenants had dropped out that day and it was going back on the market tomorrow - we could have it if we confirmed by 10am the next morning! Some wine later the Found Gallery was conceived and opened one month later.
Found has become our platform to present an eclectic mix of hand-made beautiful things. We showcase an ever changing and often quirky selection of pieces to surprise and delight. Alongside my own fused glass jewellery and photographic glass panels we exhibit a rolling program of British Arts and Crafts from both emerging and established artists and makers.
On our next Birthday, Found will be twelve years old. What was a chance find has grown into a business and lifestyle that allows us to combine our passions for making and finding, engage with a wonderfully artistic community and enjoy family life in this great seaside town. Our customers come from near and far, many finding us on a chance stop off. Whether you find us wrestling with a driftwood display, loading up my glass kiln or grabbing a quick coffee, we aim to create a friendly space to seek out the perfect present or tempting treat. Our new website here gives a glimpse of what’s on offer, who’s showing in the gallery and what we are up to.
There’s never a dull moment - especially when you factor in Ava, our exuberant daughter and Molly our dog! We’re always on the hunt for new and surprising creations and projects. Whether visiting one of our artists or travelling the length of the UK in our camper van, we love what we do. Simon’s scavaging has come a long way from his early adventures. As a three year old in Belfast his Granddad would sent him to the tip with a few tools saying "bring me back treasure." Thankfully the quality of his treasure has improved greatly from those early nuts and bolts and now most of the fittings and display materials in the gallery are up-cycled and recycled finds. We certainly need a bigger loft and I’m always slightly apprehensive when I hear the words “Honey, I have an idea…”
Indeed, Simon's love for connecting people and finds, has evolved into another project. After being part of the team that piloted Dunbar as the first zero waste town in Scotland, he formed a social enterprise Reuse Scotland to continue its legacy. The project is all about REUSE; keeping good things in local circulation, rather than landfill. It is an experimental and collaborative organisation that works with artists, charities, community groups, schools and universities, and believes passionately that our waste is our resource.
Over the years we've met some kindred spirits along the way, and our team of 'founders' has grown. We're all artistic in various ways and lovers of all things handmade. Together we have huge fun, front of house and behind the scenes and I'm very grateful for the creative input from this talented bunch!
Amy (found creator & glass maker) & Justine (interiors & styling)
Steph (artist and printmaker @stephaniemitchellart)
Julie (jeweller @juliemclatchiejewellery) Lois (artist & jeweller)
Amy, x