Two Lives I by Charlotte Cornish
A New Destination for Contemporary Art Arrives in Essex
1 WATERHOUSE COURT, VICTORIA RD SOUTH, CHELMSFORD, CM1 1LN
After years of planning, determination and a lifelong passion for art, TAP Contemporary is proud to announce the opening of its brand-new gallery in the heart of Chelmsford on Tuesday 14 July 2026.
For gallery founder Soo Turner, the opening marks the realisation of a vision that began more than six years ago.
"In 2019, I discovered an incredible space in Chelmsford and immediately knew it had the potential to become something special. Like many plans, the project was paused during the pandemic, but I never let go of the dream. In 2024, I revisited the idea and began the journey of bringing it to life. After two years of planning, negotiations and assembling the right team, I am incredibly proud to welcome visitors to TAP Contemporary." - Soo Turner
Designed to offer an immersive experience, TAP Contemporary brings the atmosphere of an international gallery to Essex. The light-filled space has been created to encourage visitors to slow down, explore and experience carefully curated collections of contemporary paintings, sculpture and mixed-media works in a setting more reminiscent of New York's celebrated gallery districts.
The gallery represents a carefully selected collection of established British artists whose careers Soo Turner has followed and supported throughout her 33 years in the art world. Every artwork is independently created by the artists themselves, offering collectors truly original pieces rather than mass-produced editions. Alongside leading UK artists, TAP Contemporary will also introduce exclusive works by contemporary European artists, many of whom will be exhibiting in Chelmsford for the first time.
tap contemporary | WHAT TO EXPECT...
An ambitious programme of exhibitions and special events is already planned for the gallery's inaugural season. To receive exclusive exhibition previews, invitations to private views and advance access to new collections, click here to email us and join our mailing list today.
This October, TAP Contemporary will host the finalists of the nationally recognised Women in Art Prize, founded and led by Gabrielle du Plooy. The initiative celebrates and champions women artists, providing an important platform for emerging and established talent while addressing the continuing underrepresentation of women within the art world. The exhibition will run for two weeks, bringing a significant contemporary art showcase from London's vibrant gallery scene to Chelmsford and giving local audiences the opportunity to discover some of the country's most exciting female artists.
In November, the gallery will welcome photographer David Koppel for a special book launch event, offering visitors the opportunity to meet the artist and celebrate the publication of his latest work.
Visitors are invited to discover the new gallery, explore its inaugural exhibition and experience a fresh destination for contemporary art in Chelmsford.