A derelict, unused and unloved building in Peel has been turned into a bright and vibrant art gallery.

Hidden behind the industrial buildings on Peel’s harbour front, the ’Strooys’ art gallery is set to open its doors on Saturday, November 28.

The gallery features the work of eight artists and has been created by Peel-based artist Eyan Tomkins, who has also developed a creative working space at the former industrial building in Keown’s Lane which, at various points of it existence, has been a fisherman’s cottage a smoke house and, most recently, a joinery workshop.

Eyan, who is originally from Northampton, moved to the island four years ago and took on the building after he was forced into an early retirement during the Covid-19 pandemic.

After clearing away years of neglect, dust and thick cobwebs, Eyan has turned the upstairs area into a bright and vibrant space,which he has filled with his own paintings, alongside the work of local artists Anna Clucas, Faye Christian, Sarah Clarke, Suzy Heckles and many more.

Eyan’s art work does dominate the space, however, as you would expect from work that is highly colourful and, in some cases, more than eight foot tall in length.

He has created a series of paintings of Manx landmarks and given them his own personal interpretation and touch.

’I’ve always liked painting big. Some people paint small and are a bit scared of painting big,’ said Eyan.

’I’m the other way around. I can’t get into the idea of painting small.

’I always think "how can I get all the images and my ideas in my head on to such a small space?".

’It works in my favour too, as when I make smaller prints of my pictures, the quality of the details are amazing.

’I’ve done a series of lighthouses and towers in limited edition prints. I’ve also used my specific details of my images to create patterned goods, such as snoods, which seem to be very popular at the moment.

’We had a soft opening last weekend and we had a lot of people coming through, sometimes coming back twice and seeing something different.

’The place is already starting to work and so many people had very positive things to say.’

’Strooys’ means ’imagination’ in Manx Gaelic and Eyan hopes his gallery inspires other artists and visitors alike.

’I am happy with the size of the place and I’m happy with the fact I have the work of eight other artists up here too,’ he said.

’I intend to have a nice steady flow of people’s work coming through here and when people visit, say once a month, they’ll see different art work here each time.

’I only do bright colours. I can’t do anything else.

’What I want is for people to have a much brighter day when they leave here having walked around the gallery.’

by Mike Wade

Twitter@iomnewspapers