THE new Coal Orchard area in Taunton has come to life today with the opening of the pop-up Arcadia art gallery.

On show is a large collection of art, sculptures and paintings at the Arcadia Gallery Taunton which is located in the new Coal Orchard development.

Wood sculptors Simon O’Rourke and Matthew Crabb are the two founders of Titan Arcadia.

Matthew and Simon said: "The gallery is a unique asset to the arts in this area. This is a pop up gallery.

"Titan Arcadia intend to continue to relocate the gallery and hopefully keep it open somewhere in Taunton long term."

"It is thanks to Somerset West and Taunton SWT for enabling Titan Arcadia to occupy an incredible brand new unit in the Riverside development at Coal Orchard.

"Councillors Caroline Ellis, Joe Wharton, Sophie Trowbridge and Chloe Warden were instrumental in helping Matt and Simon to make use of an otherwise empty space."

Titan Arcadia was birthed when the two artists started talking about a collaboration company that would act as a platform for wood sculptors to combine their skills to create huge installations for all sorts of clients. 

The pair added: "It would be wonderful to branch out further across Somerset to enrich the art and culture in other areas of the county, and potentially put the concept forward to other cities, where high streets are becoming increasingly less used as online shopping grows more popular."

One artist on show is Brendon Murless. His work features stunning contemporary figurative sculptures and his work is inspired by the human form and the beauty within nature.

Matthew Crabb Sculpture Studio's work is also on show in the gallery. You will be able to meet Matthew at the gallery and watch him start a new journey in his sculpting career using clay.

There is plenty more local artists work on show and it is FREE to visit. 

One local who has already experienced the gallery said: "It is a fabulous art gallery at the Coal Orchard, it is a fantastic pearl for Taunton." 

Arcadia Art Gallery is located at Unit 5, The Quay, Coal Orchard, Taunton and is accessible for all. Open 10-4pm from Mondays to Saturdays.