An arty independent

Independent optical group, Valli Opticians, has opened up its Hebden Bridge-based practice up to local artists.

As part of the opticians’ Vision on Gallery initiative, the practice doubles up as an art exhibition in which local artists are invited to display their work.

The initiative was the idea of co-founder of Valli Opticians, Rachel Valli. She explained: “When we redesigned our Hebden Bridge practice after it was damaged in the 2015 Boxing Day floods, we realised we had a lot of free wall space – that’s when inspiration struck.”

Describing Hebden Bridge as a creative town, Ms Valli  said that the group is “passionate” about being part of the community that it serves and it is happy to display the work of local artists in store.

Ms Valli added: “I’m guessing we’re the only opticians in the country that doubles up as an art gallery but there’s a nice synergy to it; while our clients are looking after their eye health they’re also treating their eyes to some beautiful art.”

The practice’s latest exhibition is called Serendipitous art and opens on 8 March. It features the work of Claire Lupino and Melinda Joy Chandler, Catherine Davis Design, ARTbound and Stella Hill.