Nailed It! Former Hardware Haven Transforms into Artful Escape

Historic Brighton Landmark Welcomes New Artistic Chapter

In a significant development for Brighton's vibrant art scene, Kellie Miller Arts is set to relocate to 3 Church Street, the former premises of Dockerills, one of England's oldest family-run businesses. This move, facilitated by property consultancy Graves Jenkins, marks a new chapter for the historic Grade II listed building, which has been a focal point of Brighton’s North Laine for decades.

Dockerills: A Century-Old Legacy of Localism

Established in 1915, Dockerills has been a cornerstone of Brighton's North Laine community since the mid-1970s. Renowned for its extensive range of hardware and DIY supplies, the store served generations of Brighton residents, embodying the ethos of "localism" that defines the area’s independent spirit. For decades, Dockerills was more than just a shop — it was a symbol of community reliability and local pride. Its departure from 3 Church Street signifies the end of an era for local patrons who have long relied on its trusted services.

Kellie Miller Arts: Infusing New Life into a Historic Space

While the departure of Dockerills leaves a nostalgic void, the arrival of Kellie Miller Arts ensures that the site’s role as a community hub continues. The artist-led gallery is poised to breathe new life into this storied location, preserving its local legacy while ushering in a new era of creativity.

Founded by international artist, curator, and critic Kellie Miller, the gallery showcases a diverse selection of fine art, ceramics, and sculpture from local, national, and international artists. The relocation to 3 Church Street reflects the gallery’s deep alignment with Brighton’s values of independent enterprise, creativity, and community spirit. As with Dockerills, the gallery’s mission is to engage with the local community, providing a platform for artists and offering a welcoming space for art lovers.

Kellie Miller’s personal dedication to the arts is reflected in her extensive background. With a degree from the University of Brighton and an MA in Arts Criticism from City University, London, her works have been featured in museums and private collections worldwide. The gallery’s support for emerging artists and community-oriented initiatives further embodies the ethos of localism that Brighton’s North Laine district is famous for.

Preserving Heritage While Embracing Innovation

The transformation of 3 Church Street from Dockerills to Kellie Miller Arts exemplifies Brighton’s dynamic ability to honour its rich heritage while embracing fresh, independent ventures. While the iconic hardware store’s departure marks the end of one chapter, the arrival of a community-driven arts space ensures the continuation of the location’s legacy as a hub of local activity.

As Kellie Miller Arts prepares to open its doors in this historic building, it promises to continue the spirit of community engagement and cultural enrichment that has long been associated with 3 Church Street. By aligning itself with Brighton’s values of localism and independence, the gallery is set to make a lasting contribution to the city’s cultural landscape.