'Life has a funny way of coming full circle': Northern Ireland artist takes the reins at gallery where her own career first began

One of Northern Ireland’s best-known contemporary artists Kathryn Callaghan has announced a new chapter in her career after becoming the owner of the renowned Yard Gallery on Holywood’s High Street.

The acquisition marks a significant milestone for both Callaghan and the gallery, which has championed local artists for many years under the stewardship of Jim and Nicki Beattie.

Callaghan plans to build on that legacy by developing Yard Gallery as a vibrant community hub where artists, collectors and visitors can connect through creativity, while continuing to operate as a thriving commercial art destination.

Located alongside the popular Coffee Yard, the gallery offers visitors the opportunity to browse artwork across two floors in a welcoming setting where they can enjoy coffee while discovering original Northern Irish art.

A dedicated art studio will soon be added to the gallery, providing a creative space for Callaghan, members of her team and guest artists represented by the gallery. The aim is to showcase artistic talent while giving visitors the opportunity to meet artists and experience the creative process first-hand.

The first exhibition under Callaghan’s ownership opens on August 15 and features her newly released Ireland Collection.

A year in the making, the collection has been created using Callaghan’s distinctive pouring technique and celebrates the beauty and spirit of Ireland through dramatic landscapes, iconic landmarks, musicians and traditional dancers.

For Callaghan, taking ownership of Yard Gallery represents far more than a business investment. It marks the fulfilment of a journey which began many years ago when she was first given the opportunity to exhibit at the gallery as an emerging artist.

“When people ask how I became an artist, the answer isn't simply that I picked up a paintbrush,” she said. “The truth is that every artist needs someone who believes in them, and for me, that person was Jim Beattie.

“Many years ago, when I was still finding my feet as a professional artist, Jim gave me an opportunity at Yard Gallery. Like so many artists, I remember the excitement and also the nerves of seeing my work hanging in a respected gallery for the first time.

“Over the years, Jim continued to support me, encourage me and quietly cheer me on. Looking back now, I realise just how important that belief was. It gave me the confidence to keep going, to grow, and to build Kathryn Callaghan Fine Art into the business it is today.”

Callaghan said she wants the gallery to become a destination for commercial art in Northern Ireland while retaining the values that have defined Yard Gallery throughout its history.

“I believe that this new chapter encapsulates my ambition and vision for making Yard Gallery the destination for commercial art in Northern Ireland,” she said. “It’s a place where I feel happy. It’s somewhere that I believe always stood for something.

“My experience of Yard Gallery was that it was run with honesty, transparency and integrity. Artists were treated fairly, customers were looked after, and relationships mattered. Those values stayed with me and became the sort of business I wanted to build myself. I want our staff, visitors and customers to feel happy here too.”

She said she was “genuinely speechless” when Jim and Nicki Beattie offered her the opportunity to take over the gallery.

“Life has a funny way of coming full circle. The place that helped launch my career has now become its next chapter,” she said.

“I’m incredibly proud to continue the legacy Jim and Nicki have built while creating something new. My vision is for Yard Gallery to become a place where people come not just to buy art but to experience it.

“I want to make it accessible and inspiring for the next generation of artists and I want to attract visitors from across the island and beyond. Whether that’s to visit an exhibition by an artist in residence, attend a demo, learn about the language or art during a workshop or masterclass, or to simply pop in on the way next door for a coffee.”

Callaghan added: “I’ll always be grateful to Jim for believing in me long before I believed in myself, and I hope to do exactly the same for many more artists in the years ahead.”

For the Beatties, the decision to hand over the gallery to Callaghan was a natural one.

“When Nicki and I began thinking about the future of Yard Gallery, we wanted to ensure that the new owner would be someone who understood what the gallery has always been about,” said Jim Beattie. “Kathryn was our obvious choice.

“Watching her journey from exhibiting here as an emerging artist to becoming one of Northern Ireland’s most successful artists has been a real privilege.

“Kathryn is incredibly talented and importantly shares the values that have always underpinned Yard Gallery. Like ourselves, Kathryn is about supporting artists, treating people fairly and creating lasting relationships.”

He added: “We know Yard Gallery is in safe hands. Kathryn brings fresh ideas, enormous passion and a genuine commitment to helping other artists succeed.

“We couldn’t be happier to pass the baton to someone who understands both the business of art and the importance of nurturing creative talent.”

Jim and Nicki Beattie said they were “immensely proud” of everything Yard Gallery had achieved and were excited to see the business evolve under Callaghan’s direction.

The first monthly exhibition under Callaghan’s ownership, featuring her Ireland Collection, opens on August 15 at Yard Gallery, 102–104 High Street, Holywood.