Ely Lacks Spaces for Art Community
Decline admin closure after 30 years
Ely’s art community is demanding actions after a long-standing arts and crafts shop announced it will close.
Tindals Art and Graphics will shit its doors for the final time on September 15, after more than 30 years of trading.
Local printmaker Rick Tomasi said: “Ely lacks spaces for its very talented artistic community.
“After having lost Babylon Gallery and, to a much lesser extent, Cloister’s Antiques in the last 18 months – Ely, ‘the Cathedral City’, is in severe decline when it comes to art.”
Ted Coney, an artists from Waterside, in Ely, called the loss of another independent shop a “major blow”.
He added: “Tindalls do not want to leave Ely and I hope the City of Ely Council (and Ely Cathedral who are a major landlord) will explore ways of helping them find another shop.”
The business will continue to operate from its Cambridge store and online.
A sign in the shop window reads: “We would like to thank our loyal customers for their support over the years and ask that you continue to support us at Cambridge or online where you will get the same great products and service.”
The Market Place shop sells arts supplies, stationery, craft materials and bespoke picture framing.
Its picture framing service will not be based in the Cambridge branch at 15-21 King Street.
Mr Coney added: “Like many people, I was disappointed to learn about the closure in Ely of Tindalls Art Shop after 30 years of trading in the city.
“To lose another independent shop is a major blow for the city’s residents and I hope the city and district councils are taking note.”
Similarly concerned is Mr Tomasi, who opened Inkpot, a pop-up shop and gallery, with his wife Emily last year.
The gallery had grown from 20 artists in December to 50, mainly from the local area.
He added: “Sitting behind the desk at Inkpot has allowed me to clearly gauge the sentiment amongst the local artistic community.”
Tindall’s Cambridge store remains open, and customers can support the business in person or online. Tindall’s director has been approached for comment,