Opened in February 2023, The House of Smalls is a little contemporary art gallery set in the heart of the historic North Cotswolds market town of Chipping Campden.
The original concept for The House of Smalls was conceived 3 years earlier during the 2020 worldwide lockdowns. Frustrated by the formulaic construct of the virtual galleries which had sprung up in the absence of open venues, and high costs to submit and exhibit work, The House of Smalls founder decided to start her own project. Wanting to somehow create affordable opportunities and a place for connection in isolating times for artists like herself, but with a distinct lack of wall space at home, she instead bought a secondhand dollhouse and after renovating it, establishing a social media presence, and building a website, she finally put out a call for art.
Between November 2020 and August 2022, The House of Smalls exhibited 280+ small artworks by 181 women (200 artists in total) on and within its diminutive walls across nine group shows, addressing subjects such as menopause, dependence and addiction, the self, and confinement. Original physical artwork was received from 21 countries.
In its big world format, The House of Smalls intends to mirror the original project and remains resolute to its ethos of fairness, inclusivity, and affordability. The Gallery will show large scale solo and themed group exhibitions by predominantly women artists, alongside small scale shows in the dollhouse. As with the original project, artists and their work will be featured daily across social media during exhibitions and added to The House of Smalls Catalogue of Artworks.
Amy Oliver is the founder and curator of The House of Smalls. A self-taught conceptual artist and experimental photographer, Amy believes that art should be accessible for everyone. She is passionate about creating opportunities and providing a space for local, UK-wide, and international artists to exhibit diverse and thought-provoking work addressing important, relevant and relatable issues.
Amy will be present in the Gallery during opening hours and if you would like to discuss anything please pop in or email info@thehouseofsmalls.art.
Much of the artwork exhibited is for sale and if you're interested in discussing or purchasing any of the available pieces please contact me.
"Exhibitions which give a voice to those who remain invisible"
~ Amanda Sinclair