LION Street Gallery in Hay – recently rated as one of the best galleries in Wales – has recently taken over 2,000 square feet of exhibition space at Erwood Station Gallery. Ceramics, glass, metalwork, wood, jewellery, paper, even wolves made from scrap electrical cables… a showcase for the finest contemporary craft and applied arts in the country. All to be complemented by paintings and sculpture, with a series of seasonal exhibitions.

This project is the brainchild of Brent Blair, who will curate the new gallery, and his wife Christina, who will run it…and the new café. After his degree in Fine Art from Kingston, and exhibitions at both the Mandela and Arnhem galleries in London, Brent has pursued a most unconventional career. His credits include the musical Starlight Express and the film Little Shop of Horrors, where he worked in special effects. He transformed people into werewolves with prosthetic make-up; he helped to create the costumes; and, as an ‘animatronics creative’ at Pinewood studios, he was part of the team that built a monster plant’s mechanical vines!

Brent followed this by establishing an advertising and design consultancy in the heart of Soho. He spent 18 years as a managing partner, promoting the creative careers of others…and then sold the business to his employees and hightailed it to the Brecon Beacons. Lion Street Gallery, which specialises in Welsh artists – and which he will continue to run – was the result. The redesign of its new sister gallery at Erwood Station has been overseen by Christina who will be responsible for the gallery and tea room.

The gallery is part of the Arts Council of Wales Collectorplan Scheme, which enables the purchase of work, interest free - from £50 to £2,000 – with payments spread over 10-15 months. For further details, call 01982 560674.