Rose has always had a passion for art and creativity and, after a jewellery class at Hinckley College, she decided it was for her – Jewellery and Silversmithing it was to be at Birmingham’s famous School of Jewellery. After a few jobs and a PGCE, Rose (after the suggestion of her dad) opened her first venture, The Art Studio, in New Buildings, Hinckley in 1989, selling art materials and later adding framing services.
Rose and Linda met in 1997 and eventually left their day jobs (Linda – Family Therapist, and Rose – Project Manager for Jewellery Apprenticeships) to set up The Art Studio, Ten2Gallery and Art Café at 102 Castle Street in 2001. When the Art Café opened there were only 10 cafes in the town centre and the Art Café became the first dog friendly café in Hinckley (although they can cater for both preferences as there are separate areas available). In 2005, they expanded to incorporate the space now used as a classroom, where creative classes are held every day of the week.
The Gallery is currently exhibiting art from the late Sally Zelenczuk, a talented and beloved artist from Hinckley who tragically died in February 2024 aged 31 after a short battle with adrenocortical cancer. The exhibition is a celebration of Sally’s life, through her art.
Every day Ten2Gallery hosts a programme of classes that are open to everyone. Rose provides art classes, along with four other regular tutors, and also hosts visiting tutors for workshops. There’s also the opportunity of jewellery workshops – Rose has had many novices come along to her workshops and create beautiful rings for a loved one, and a few have even made their own, or their partner's, wedding rings! What could be more special.
All classes are available to book online at ten2gallery.co.uk
The Café hosts occasional Quizzes, Psychic events, and Tapas nights. During the daytime, a delicious menu is available with sandwich favourites such as Prawn and Crab or Coronation Chicken and the wonderful ‘Frank Parker Lasagne’, all of which keep customers coming back again and again. This Mother’s Day a special Afternoon Tea is now available to book on 01455 636339.
Rose and Linda’s passion for art is here in Hinckley to share with everyone who steps through their door. From great advice on art materials and expert framing, to cards, gifts and unique jewellery. This is a one stop shop for everything creative, and whilst in town be sure to visit ‘The Artists Window’ at the Britannia Centre too, Currently, a group of ten artists associated with Ten2 have taken over two empty shop units to create pop-up galleries, where they are displaying a variety of their incredible work.
In the words of Mary, aged 91 – a regular since Ten2 first opened its doors, “The Ten2Gallery and Art Café is a lovely space, lovely café, with two lovely ladies”.
We couldn’t agree more!