Coastal Gallery Blog

There’s no need to book to visit the gallery on our open days We are open to the public from 11am to 4pm on weekends and 11am to 3pm every Thursday 7th and 8th June – Open weekend 12th June- Afternoon Tea with Bunnies Bake Box 14th June – Open day 15th June – (Father’s Day) Fire and Rocket Catering Company 19th June – Afternoon Tea with Bunnies Bake Box 21st & 22nd June – Open weekend 26th June – Afternoon Tea with Bunnies Bake Box 3rd July – Afternoon Tea with Bunnies Bake Box 5th & 6th July – Open Weekend 10th July- Afternoon Tea with Bunnies Bake Box 12th & 13th July – Open Weekend 17th July – Afternoon Tea with Bunnies Bake Box 19th & 20th July – Open Weekend 24th July – Afternoon Tea with Bunnies Bake Box 26th & 27th July -Open Weekend 31st July- Afternoon Tea with Bunnies Bake Box 2nd & 3rd August – Open Weekend 7th August – Afternoon Tea with Bunnies Bake Box 14th August – Afternoon Tea with Bunnies Bake Box 16th & 17th August – Hampshire Open Studios – Open Weekend

PAINTINGS by Dire Straits bassist John Illsley and his daughter Jessica Illsley will feature in a new exhibition opening this weekend at The Palais. Entitled A Family Affair, the show will bring together a collection of works from two artistic families. Alongside John and Jessica’s art, visitors can see work by the acclaimed bronze sculptor Geoffrey Dashwood and his son, raku ceramist Leo Dashwood. John Illsley, whose musical career since 1977 boasts more than 120 million album sales, multiple Grammy awards and an Ivor Novello, took a hiatus from music in 1993 to pursue his other great passion – painting. With five solo shows in London and exhibitions in New York and Sydney, Illsley describes his artistic fascination as “the unpredictability of the process”, pushing the boundaries between reality and abstraction. Complementing John’s abstract work, Jessica’s paintings delve into themes of liberation, mortality and the transformative journey into spirit. Her work also celebrates the female form, challenging traditional representations with depictions of strength and independence. Joining the Illsleys are the equally compelling Dashwoods. Geoffrey, a British sculptor renowned for his masterful bronze works, began his artistic journey studying from nature. After an early career with the Forestry Commission, he discovered a passion for sculpture, moving from realistic studies to boldly modelled pieces that eliminate unnecessary details. His distinctive style, internationally recognised, expresses his deep affinity for birds. Rounding off A Family Affair is Leo Dashwood, Geoffrey’s son, whose experimental techniques and focus on raku chemicals create pieces emphasizing the subtle imperfections that give ceramics their unique quality. Pop-up dining delights will be available on Sunday from Fire and Rocket Catering who will be serving mouth watering sourdough pizza and sweet treats. Admission is free, with all work available to buy.

OPEN SATURDAY 19TH AND EASTER MONDAY 21ST APRIL 11AM TO 4PM
Celebrate the Easter Weekend with a visit to Palais des Vaches Art Gallery. We are open on Easter Saturday and Monday showcasing incredible work by top local and national creatives. Located around a mile and a half from Exbury’s world-famous gardens, Palais des Vaches is also home to a beautiful sculpture courtyard where visitors can enjoy live jazz on Easter Monday. Our gallery enjoys spectacular views of the Beaulieu River and The Solent, with ample free parking available. Our ever-changing exhibition is mounted in collaboration with Coastal Gallery, showcasing beautiful work to cater to every taste. Admission is free and all artwork is available to buy.

15th March – The Trough New Forest (afternoon tea menu)
16th March – Fire and Rocket (pizza)
22nd and 23rd March – New Forest Tea Company.
29th and 30th March – New Forest Tea Company (Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea)
MORE 2025 WEEKEND OPEN DAYS COMING SOON.

1st and 2nd March – New Forest Tea Company
8th and 9th March – The Trough New Forest
22nd and 23rd March – New Forest Tea Company.
29th and 30th March – New Forest Tea Company (Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea)
MORE 2025 WEEKEND OPEN DAYS COMING SOON.

11th & 12th January 2025 Open weekend with pop-up Pizza from Fire and Rocket Catering
18th and 19th January 2025 Open weekend with pop-up dining from The Nags Bar and Kitchen
MORE 2025 WEEKEND OPEN DAYS COMING SOON.

2nd November Tea/ coffee/ light refreshments available
3rd November New Forest Tea Company
9th & 10th November New Forest Tea Company
16th & 17th November Fire and Rocket Catering- fresh sour dough pizza
23rd & 24th November Ginger Catering Venison Night and then open day Sunday with Ginger Catering
30th November & P & C Catering 1st December
7th & 8th December Ginger Catering and Palais’s quirky Christmas weekend!

1st & 22nd September Tea/coffee light bites available
6th October New Forest Tea Company
13th October Fire & Rocket Pizzas
26th & 27th October Ginger Catering
3rd November New Forest Tea Company
9th & 10th November New Forest Tea Company
23rd & 24th November Ginger Catering Venison Night and then open day Sunday with Ginger Catering
7th & 8th December Ginger Catering and Palais’s quirky Christmas weekend!

There’s no need to book if you’d like to visit the gallery on one of our open days.
We are open to the Public from 11am to 4pm on open days.
Saturday 25th – No pop-up dining
Sunday 26th May – The Trough New Forest – Afternoon Tea Menu
Bank Holiday Monday 27th May – Fire and Rocket Catering – Fresh Sourdough Pizza

Saturday 13th April – New Forest Tea Company (Open Saturday)
Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th April – Ginger Catering (Open Weekend)
Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th May – Ginger Catering (Open Weekend)
Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th May – Ginger Catering (Open Weekend)
Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th July – Ginger Catering (Open Weekend)
Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th August – Ginger Catering (Open Weekend)