What does ‘Open by Appointment’ mean and why might you want to make one?
- brucellis
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
What happens if you see something in the Seaglass Gallery that you would like to buy and we are not open? Read on to find out how we can help you.
Several years ago, when we were first planning ‘Seaglass Gallery’, we knew that opening just two days a week, and by appointment, would be the best business model for us. We came to this decision for several reasons, but the top one for us was the importance of work-life balance. We knew that running a successful small business would be demanding but we also knew that we would love it if we got the balance right and now four years on, we feel we have that balance. We love our time in the art gallery in Lympstone and being there for just two days a week leaves us time to work behind the scenes on the other weekdays and have time for our own art practice, which is so important for us.
However, what does it mean for you that we are only open on Fridays and Saturdays and by appointment? Well, it offers you flexibility. You know that our fixed hours are 10-4 on a Friday and Saturday so we will always be open then (closed for lunch 1-1:30). Our shop window and website www.seaglassgallery.co.uk are open 24/7 so if you see something and you are not able to get to us on a Friday or Saturday then our open ’by appointment’ system means that you can get in touch and, if we can, we will arrange a mutually convenient time for us to open for you.
Appointment sounds very formal but actually it is just an invitation to welcome you into our rather special Devon art gallery, at a time outside of our usual opening hours. Come and explore the Exe estuary village of Lympstone and enjoy our wonderful selection of paintings, ceramics, textured art and silver jewellery by west-country artists. Experience our calm and creative space for yourself.
Here are a few of the reasons that you might like to make an appointment:
· You have seen something you would like to buy but are only in the area for a short time and will have left before we next open.
· You would like a second look at a piece of art before committing to buy it.
· You prefer a quiet moment to look at a piece of art without other customers being around.
· You work on Fridays and Saturdays or have other commitments at those times so our opening times really just don’t work for you.
· You have just remembered that it is someone’s birthday and you have seen something
you would like to buy but can’t wait until when we are next open as you need to get it in the post.
How to contact us to make an appointment?
· Phone us on 07510 942342. If we are working in the studio behind the gallery we are often able to come through during the week and do an impromptu open up, so if you happen to be walking past and something catches your eye it is always worth a phone call.
· Message us via:
Phone: 07510 942342
Facebook: Lympstone Seaglass Gallery
Instagram: @seaglassgallery_lympstone
· Email us info@seaglassgallery.co.uk
As a small independent business, we aim to provide excellent customer service and it is something that we are often highly commended for.
‘I cannot praise Charlotte, at Seaglass Gallery in Lympstone, enough for her superb first class customer service. Her speed of response to my initial enquiry about a product was followed through with her speed of delivery, keeping me well informed of progress in order that the item arrived in time… This is why we need to support local businesses like Charlotte’s as a reminder that there is still fantastic customer service out there.’
Do get in if you touch with us if you would like to make an appointment and we will do what we can to arrange it.
Ways to get to the Seaglass Gallery
Train - from Exeter (20 minutes), Topsham ( 6 minutes) or Exmouth (4 minutes). We are a moment’s walk from Lympstone Village Station.
Bike- Cycle or walk along the Exe Estuary Trail which you can find out more about on the Sustrans website. https://sustrans.org.uk
Car- There is a village carpark just a few minutes’ walk from Seaglass Gallery. Underhill Carpark EX85JW
We look forward to seeing you and helping you on your art journey.
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