New gallery owner, 25, celebrates French street art

A NEW art gallery in Henley is to open this evening (Friday).

Art curator Sam Farlow, 25, from Park Corner, near Nettlebed, is using the Spray Gallery in Friday Street to exhibit street art and graffiti by artists from Montpellier in the south of France.

He had the idea for the gallery in 2022 and has been supported by his parents, Geoff and Clare, who backed him from the planning stages to fitting the new premises.

Mr Farlow, who studied French and classics at Royal Holloway University, said: “I chose Henley because not only is it local to me but there’s nothing like it here.”

He will showcase spray-paint themed work by artists he has a connection with, having met them while staying in Montpellier for six months during his third year of university.

Mr Farlow said: “I want to promote what I am passionate about. It’s a niche area.

“These artists are your real-deal, hardworking artists. They all started on the streets. They’re funky, diverse, eclectic.”