Studio-gallery to Swaddle art-lovers

NESTLED beside the antiquarian charm of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and the colourful shopfront of the Ballarat Imaginarium, there now sits an additional space dedicated to creative practice.

Following its launch a fortnight ago, Hughes Gallery, located at 121 Sturt Street, marks the return of the space’s eponymous owner, artist Peter Hughes Swaddle, to the region after a year away.

Doubling as both a studio space and an exhibition venue, Hughes Swaddle said the venue is an ideal venture for him to display his craft.

“When we returned, I was looking for a studio space where I could work while I built my home [in Soldiers Hill],” he said.

“I was fortunate Paula and Colin from the Mechanics’ Institute had this space available so I can work out the back and it also gives me the opportunity to showcase my art out the front.

“It’s a real bonus having the two spaces. I usually get people in the weekend coming up from Melbourne and poking their head in and I’ve had people who’ve noticed I’m back who come in and say hello.”

Currently displaying his recent output, he said he has plans to broaden the scope of the gallery.

“The plan going forward is I’d like to include other artisans and Ballarat ceramicists,” he said.

“My sister’s jewellery is already here at the front. I’m also thinking maybe a couple of times a year, I’ll lease the gallery for a month to particular artists which will give me the flexibility for other projects.”

Hughes Swaddle returned to the region in June after a year of living in the Gold Coast, and was previously based in Ballarat from 2021 to 2022.

Initially moving from the sunshine state to Daylesford during the pandemic, his work has previously been displayed in venues including Europa Cafe and Webster’s Market and Cafe.

His work is primarily sold and displayed within corporate and business settings.