We caught wind of this interesting and exciting possible partnership a little while back so it is great to see Aspex Guildhall announced today with the full details on the project and the first exhibition. aspex Gallery and Portsmouth Guildhall have come together to create a new exhibition space in the basement area of the Guildhall which will show some of the very best in contemporary art from emerging artists based in the south of England, with up to six different exhibitions a year.

“At the Cultural Trust we want to collaborate with arts organisations who offer us something special, I believe this new partnership will bring a marvellous new gallery to the heart of the city of Portsmouth. It adds a very new dimension to the Guildhall and we hope the public will respond by visiting us”. – Andy Grays, Chief Executive at Portsmouth Cultural Trust

The very first exhibition in this new shared space will be from Southampton based artist Jonny Hannah which will launch on 17th June this year, during Portsmouth Festivities. Jonny’s work inspired by great illustrators, lettering designer, painter and printmaker from the 1940s & 50s has been much in demand since his departure from Liverpool Art School and the Royal College of Art, with his work gracing the pages of Vogue, The New York Times and many a book jacket, as well as advertising and design work for clients such as the English National Opera and vintners Justerini & Brooks. Amongst private collectors Jonny has also established a loyal following for his linocuts, screenprints, and paintings. You can see a gallery of just some of Jonny Hannah’s work HERE.

“We are really excited about collaborating with Portsmouth Cultural Trust, which gives us the opportunity to reach more visitors with a gallery space right in the centre of Portsmouth. We are planning a diverse exhibitions programme, blending some of the very best artists we have shown at aspex along with specially curated exhibitions specifically for the Guildhall”. – Joanne Bushnell, Director of aspex.