Of Merit

Francis Gallery is located in central Bath, United Kingdom, on the ground floor of a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse. The space marries English and Korean aesthetics, balancing the cultural heritage of gallery director, Rosa Park, with a respect for the local setting. Hints to Park’s Korean background can be discerned in the hanji paper set between the panes of the gallery’s crittall doors and the hand-painted vertical text on the exterior sign. A collection of Korean antiques and ceramics are also on display, alongside the works of the gallery’s roster of artists. The gallery presents art in a relaxed environment. Park is inspired by spaces such as Jim Ede’s Kettle’s Yard, and Donald Judd’s 101 Spring Street, which celebrate art as a vital part of daily living. The back room has the feel of a comfortable study, encouraging visitors to engage with the works displayed there on a personal level. The light-filled front room, where floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the city, hosts the gallery’s calendar of shows, which includes works by emerging and international artists; Francis represents these artists exclusively within the UK. In addition to its schedule of solo and group shows at its permanent location in Bath, the gallery continues to host temporary shows in cities around the world, and will be opening a second location in Los Angeles this autumn.