Soon-to-be ninety-eight-year-old Audrey Cooper is the proud proprietor and curator of London’s downtown art gallery, ArtWithPanache. The Beat Magazine 2009 recently spoke with Audrey about her gallery and what the future holds for her.
What follows is an edited Q&A Profile.
When did you open your gallery? What motivated you to open it?
I opened ArtWithPanache in September 2013. I was given the opportunity to convert 2,000 square feet of retail space in the Talbot Centre in downtown London into an art gallery. So, I said, “Why not? I am only 86 and it sounds like fun.” So, I signed up and never looked back.
The real motivation behind it though was when I came to London and started to paint, there were no galleries here willing to take the risk of showing emerging artists. I gathered all the artists I knew, hung their art and away we went. Over time ArtWithPanache became a sort of hangout for artists who would drift in for artist talk and companionship and that continues until this day. We are the only gallery that encourages artists to spend time in the gallery interacting with clients. I do not know why; I love it.
What is the significance of the gallery’s name?
I am something of a word junkie and ‘panache’ to me conjures up pictures of cool fashions, 1920s art, and the fantastic background decor in black and white Fred and Ginger movies.
Have you always been at your present location?
Yes, the gallery has always been in the Talbot Centre, but because of renovations to the first floor we are in a different space on the first floor.
What does “London Gallery Run by Local Artists” mean?
AtWithPanache operates primarily as an ‘Artists Collective.’ Artists who become members of ‘Panache Artists’ are not charged for displaying their work in the gallery; however, they must exhibit at least two paintings at all times and are eligible for one complimentary solo exhibition annually. The gallery commission on sales is set at 5% lower than the standard ArtWithPanache rate. Participating artists are required to volunteer in the gallery for a minimum of two days per month. Gallery staff are always available to assist customers with purchasing original art and to engage in discussions about art with visitors or fellow artists.
Do you have scheduled exhibitions, or is the artwork displayed on consignment for set periods? Or both?
Panache Artists regularly exhibit in the gallery, and non-gallery artists are welcome to display their work for two- or three-week periods on commission. Art groups and clubs also participate. Currently, Portside Gallery from Port Stanley is hosting a show with us.
September is a particularly eventful month for you, with the opening of a show featuring an Oh Canada theme. The gallery is celebrating its 12th anniversary, and you will mark your 98th birthday. May I ask if you have any special plans for the month?
September will be hopping. The Oh Canada show opens on Saturday, September 20, from 12:00 until 4:00 with our artists’ heartfelt depictions of their love for Canada and what it means for them to live here. Artists will be on hand to mingle with visitors; refreshments will be served and lots of other stuff going on.
September 30 is our day to celebrate our 12th Anniversary as ArtWithPanache and my 98th Birthday with an Open House in the gallery. Refreshments and lots of fun and surprises, Join us please.
I see you were named to. the City of London Mayor’s 2024 New Year’s Honorary List under Arts. Tell me how it felt to receive that recognition.
Ha! I was completely gobsmacked and still believe there was a mistake made at City Hall.
Is there anything else you think The Beat Magazine 2009 readers should know about Audrey Cooper and ArtWithPanache?
Since I have packed in 98 years there is lots more to tell but you will need to drop into ArtWithPanache to find out.
To learn more about Audrey and ArtWithPanache, visit https://artwithpanachelondon.weebly.com/
You can also follow ArtWithPanache on Facebook and Instagram.
The Beat Magazine 2025 