A CHARITY which owns Colchester’s iconic Minories gallery is creating a new commercial arm as its reopening preparations ramp up.

The Minories closed unexpectedly at the end of May when Colchester Institute and Wilkin and Sons decided they could no longer afford to operate the gallery and adjoining tearoom due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Owners the Victor Batte-Lay Foundation, a charitable trust, have been working on plans to bring the premises back into use including launching a fundraising campaign.

The foundation hoped to be able to reopen this year, however, building works undertaken by Colchester Institute before surrendering its lease have uncovered some unexpected issues.

But the charity says it is still working hard behind the scenes and has set up a new trading arm, called We are the Minories, appointing two team members to lead the gallery going forward.

Alex Hugo has been appointed strategy manager and Jade Fothergill will be operations manger.

Jade said: “I am thrilled to be playing a part in the shaping of We are the Minories, maintaining its important place in the community while creating a new and vibrant path ahead for this much loved building and collection.”

Alex added: “I look forward to helping secure a stable tomorrow for We are the Minories, finding fresh and challenging ways of keeping the collection relevant, while championing, and creating opportunities for emerging artists.”

The foundation has also undergone a raft of changes, with former chairman Robin Matthews stepping down after eight years along with trustees Mary Perrins and Tom Fenton.

Feering artist Ben Coode-Adams has taken on the role of chairman.

He said: “I can’t thank Robin enough for his commitment to and sustained affection for the foundation and the Minories over the past 20 years.

“I am honoured and excited to be assuming the role of chair of the Victor Batte-Lay Foundation at this pivotal time in our history. The challenges are huge but not insurmountable.

“With the support of our friends, allies and benefactors as well as Arts Council England, and with a management team now in place, we can look to the future of We are the Minories with renewed hope.”

For updates or to find out more about We are the Minories, visit wearetheminories.org or search Facebook and Twitter.