The most beautiful projects are sometimes born unexpectedly. This is the case for gallery N°3 in Limoges. It was born from a meeting between an amateur, art collector, and an artist.
“I created the gallery because I own the Alba Ignis brand [rue Jean-Jaurès]with which I publish artists on porcelain. I discovered Bryan Ley's work three months before the Christmas holidays, three years ago. Immediately, I was offered a store
. I said to myself that it was interesting to put Bryan's work on plates and these paintings face to face, hence the first exhibition,” recalls gallery owner Eloi Besse.
Figurative and abstract
“I fell in love with this gallery where I did three months of work. Gradually, I met more and more artists,” he adds.
Three years later, as Christmas approaches, Gallery No. 3 still exists and, even better, it has expanded. She left rue Jean-Jaurès for rue Monte-à-Regret. “It was a second-hand store, in ruins, but I always said to myself, when I went to buy my wine at the wine merchant opposite, that this place was really interesting,” continues the gallerist.
Top, left to right: Bryan Ley, Mako Moya, Klemt. Bottom from left to right: Max Robert, Chagot, Lucette Brandy (Photos Stéphanie Barrat)
Eloi Besse exhibits what she likes, eclectic artists, “as many figurative as abstract paintings” and rather local artists, “even if it is not an end in itself”.
“I choose those who seem relevant to me and whose job it is,” he continues, to offer exhibitions approximately every two months.
“The advantage in this larger gallery (160 m²) is that there will be permanent works. I will have stock for all the artists who will exhibit in the gallery and I will be able to meet demand,” he warns.
Here, everything is for sale, the paintings, the sculptures, the furniture, because they are designer pieces. “The prices fluctuate between €200 and €8,000, which seems affordable to me.”
So if you are tempted or simply curious, just walk through the door, and, for sure, you will meet a wonderful person…
The brand only works with concept stores throughout France [email protected]
.
Where, when? The exhibition is visible until January 20 at gallery N°3, 4, rue Monte-à-Regret. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Information at 07.82.25.99.29 or
From the time of the Champaloux gallery
The Champaloux framing workshop and art gallery where gallery N°3 is now located, rue Monte-à-Regret in Limoges, belonged to the “beautiful boutiques” of the district located between place d'Aine, rue des Arenas and adjacent streets.
“This business had something elegant, since people came to have paintings framed there and, at the same time, inside, there was an unspeakable “mess”, which was certainly part of the craftsman's profession,” remembers Philippe Pauliat-Defaye, deputy mayor of Limoges, in charge of culture, who grew up in this district. His father and grandfather were butchers and caterers, rue des Arènes.“At the time, the boss, Mr. Champaloux, was a picturesque character, he never took off his hat,” he continues again. “In the directories, we find a house painter named Champalou (without His descendants followed one another with this same activity, then the supervision, until the cessation of activity”, specifies Paul Colmar, photo collector and great connoisseur of Limouge life.It is therefore a nice nod to this family saga that a gallery has set up there: “it delights the child that I was and the art lover that I remain”, laughs Philippe Pauliat-Defaye (
Paul Colmar Photo Library).
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