A beloved fixture in Ramsgate's art community will close its doors permanently on August 12, marking the end of an era for the York Street Gallery after more than 13 years of serving local artists and the community. Owner Mike Samson announced he will be shutting down the gallery to retire for the second time in his life.
After taking early retirement from the paper industry, Mike Samson and his wife Lizzie first opened the York Street Gallery in May 2012 with a mission to support local artists and creative individuals by providing accessible display and exhibition space on a weekly basis. The concept proved to be an immediate hit with the local art community, offering something completely unique that had been missing in the area.
The gallery's success has been remarkable, remaining fully booked every single week since its opening, with the only exceptions being the occasional weeks when Mike took holidays. Over the past 13 years, the gallery has hosted nearly 700 exhibitions, showcasing artwork from hundreds of different artists and creators.
Throughout its operation, the York Street Gallery has been a pillar of support for various segments of the community, including local schools, students, art clubs and groups, charitable organizations, and individual artists looking for a platform to display their work. The gallery has maintained a strong commitment to making art accessible to everyone, regardless of whether they are professional artists or local amateur painters.
As a dedicated supporter of the Ramsgate Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), the gallery, along with its customers and friends, has raised hundreds of pounds for the maritime rescue organization over the years. Beyond hosting exhibitions, the gallery has also served as an educational hub, offering numerous art classes for local residents who wanted to develop their creative skills.
Mike Samson, who previously served in the military before his career in the paper industry, established the gallery with the fundamental belief that art should be accessible to everyone. This inclusive philosophy has been the driving force behind the gallery's operations since day one. In recent years, the gallery's reputation has grown significantly, attracting exhibitions from artists throughout the South of England, including notable artists from St. Ives in Cornwall and London.
Interestingly, Mike's own artistic journey began at Newington Primary School, where he won first prize in an art competition as a young student. However, he didn't pursue art for decades afterward. It wasn't until he returned to the same school 20 years later to enroll his own children that a teacher remembered him and asked about his painting. Though he hadn't picked up a paintbrush in decades, the headmaster, who ran an art club, insisted that Mike join. This moment marked the beginning of his successful and independent arts career, which eventually led to opening the gallery.
Reflecting on the gallery's impact and his decision to close, Mike expressed deep gratitude for the community's support over the years. "I would like to think the gallery has served the community well, and its success is solely due to the support of the artists and the visitors who come to the gallery, some every week," he said. "It's been a great artistic community hub, and friends and visitors know they can drop in for a chat or a coffee any time."
Mike noted that the gallery has attracted visitors from far beyond the local area, creating connections that span continents. "I've made many friends over the years, and not just locals! Some people come in every year from throughout the UK, Europe, and even the USA when visiting Ramsgate," he explained.
While acknowledging that closing the gallery represents "the end of an era and a big part of life," Mike believes the timing is right for his retirement. "The time is right for me to retire and spend more time with my family," he said. "Being in the gallery six days a week nearly every week of the year has been a big commitment, and my family have been very supportive and patient."
Mike emphasized his appreciation for everyone who made the gallery possible: "I would like to thank everyone who has supported the gallery over the years, especially all the artists and creatives. Without them, there could never have been a gallery."
In a humorous twist, when recently asked about his retirement plans, Mike revealed his intentions: "I think I may take up painting!" This comment reflects the full-circle nature of his journey from childhood art prize winner to gallery owner and back to aspiring artist.
Looking toward the future of Ramsgate's art scene, Mike expressed hope that the gallery's success might inspire others to continue supporting the local arts community. "Hopefully someone will see what we have achieved in YSG and open a new gallery soon in Ramsgate," he said, using the abbreviated name locals often use for York Street Gallery.
The closure of York Street Gallery represents a significant loss for Ramsgate's cultural landscape, but its 13-year legacy of supporting local artists, fostering community connections, and making art accessible to all will undoubtedly continue to influence the town's creative spirit for years to come.
