Join our community and stay updated on the latest exhibitions, artist insights, and exclusive events at The Thea Hickling Gallery
Thea Hickling Gallery is a contemporary art gallery and working studio, the gallery was established in 2024 by Norfolk artist Thea Hickling.
The location of the gallery on the quay, with the views over the working harbour, the sea and salt marsh provides a perfect space with a constant source of inspiration for Thea’s oil paintings, which are all connected to this area of outstanding natural beauty.
Thea’s love for this wild and beautiful part of the North Norfolk coastline, drives her work, and she considers herself very lucky to now have a gallery and working studio in the heart of it all.
Thea Hickling was born and brought up in Norfolk and now lives and paints in Wells-Next-The-Sea. Her paintings are inspired by daily adventures in this Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where she explores the everchanging coastline.
Hickling paints from memory in oils to create atmospheric seascapes and observations of where the land meets the sea.
Thea Hickling has a BA Honours Degree from Falmouth School of Art; has illustrative work published by Kew Gardens London; twice selected for Exhibition Of Shortlisted Works for the Sir John Hurt Prize Holt. A member of Norwich Twenty Group and the NR23 art group.
The painting ‘Beside The Wave’ was selected as a People’s Choice favourite top three in the Handa Gallery.
Thea Hickling Gallery shows a collection of selected brand new works, as well as some personal favourites. As a painter, the dynamic skies of Wells-Next-The-Sea, light, tides, sandy beach, marshes, seasonal changes, the moon, the clear night skies, weather fronts, sunsets, weather conditions and never ending horizon showcase a spellbinding environment and constant source of inspiration. Thea says she is forever in awe of this dramatically beautiful coastline, which never stays the same for one moment.
Thea Hickling Gallery exhibits throughout the seasons a selection of Thea’s original oil paintings curated by Thea herself. As well as providing a working studio for new artworks, this contemporary and open space faces North over the marsh and the sea of the very inspiration of the paintings themselves.
Thea Hickling Gallery is currently exhibiting a selection of original seascape paintings, the gallery is constantly changing and brand new paintings are being introduced for exhibition.
Upcoming Exhibition ‘Sea’ : Thea is excited to be launching a brand new exhibition in the spring 2025. The paintings Thea are working on are currently in progress and focusing on how the sea makes us feel. These love for the sea means she devotes hours daily, exploring, observing and being by the sea. Capturing this energy and asking “Why do I love to be by the Sea?” poises an interesting perspective as a painter.
Look forward to sharing more details soon.
Opening times to the public may vary, Thea is often out exploring and painting, viewings are recommended via appointment. However if the doors to the gallery are open, a very warm welcome by Thea herself will greet you into her space Thea Hickling Gallery.
Guest Artist
My work explores elements and structures of everyday objects and creatures in the natural world. I have a Diploma in Drawing and Applied Arts from the University of the West of England (2011) which I attended as a mature student.
My work has been selected for exhibitions at London’s Mall Galleries with the Society of Women Artists and the Royal Society of British Artists, the North Norfolk Exhibition Project in 2017, 2021, 2023 and 2024, the Bayfield Sculpture Trail 2023 and 2024, and in 2022 I was shortlisted for the first Holt Festival, Charlotte Fraser Ceramics & Glass Prize. I exhibit regularly in Norfolk with the groups Natural Lines, Common Land and NR23. My work is held in private collections in the UK and abroad.
Since moving to Norfolk in 2015 after decades of living and working in cities across the UK (most recently Bristol), my practice has focussed almost entirely on the natural world, exploring the patterns, rhythms and movements embedded in nature, focussing on small, almost unperceived elements and structures of everyday objects and creatures. By narrowing in on and enlarging individual details – the beauty in the twists and turns of dried plant material, the deep hollows and spirals of shells, the geometric perfection of a wasp’s nest – I have hoped to draw attention to the incredible complexity and beauty inherent in the tiniest of fragments to be found all around us. In my most recent work I have tried to highlight the plight of the natural world as it faces the increasing and very real threats posed as a result of man’s impact on the earth.
I usually work in clay which is either fired or cast in bronze, Jesmonite (a water-based resin suitable for outdoor pieces), resin or plaster. I am happy to take commissions.
Thea Hickling Gallery is on the Quay in Wells-Next-The-Sea, North Norfolk. Over looking the working harbour, with views reaching across the sea and salt marsh, the gallery is a welcoming light and contemporary space exhibiting original paintings by artist and gallery owner Thea Hickling.
Wells-Next-The-Sea is a beautiful seaside town and working port, steeped in history. There is much to see and do here in the charming town and yet within minutes you wish to escape the hustle and bustle, Wells is on the Norfolk Coast Path.
As well as being next to Holkham Bay, Wells is famous for its sandy beach, pinewoods, sand dunes and beach huts, wildlife and is a protected Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you have questions about our exhibitions, want to learn more about Thea’s work, or are interested in collaborating, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your thoughts and inquiries are important to us.
