By: HAA Admin
Meeting at the Cow Byre, Manor Farm Ruislip on 27th March 2014.
In attendance were, (in Alphabetical order)
Fred Davis. Secretary HAA
Alan Golding Treasurer HAA
Cllr. Michael Markham, Chairman HAA
Barry Moore, Trustee HAA
Timothy Seward Manager of Manor Farm Site, etc.
Sylvia Taylor Trustee HAA
Embroiderers Guild, representing Jenny Thorne
The meeting had been called to discuss a report by the HAA of the state of the Cow Byre, and what could be done to improve the situation.
Cleaning. Any space used by the public needs maintenance and cleaning at least once a week. Problem is that it is in use continuously. One suggestion was that the outgoing group should vacate by say 4pm on each Saturday, and the next group come in on the Sunday morning. This would give the cleaners from 4pm to clean and vacuum, etc.
This suggestion should be put before our members who use the Cow Byre.
Spring cleaning, (steam cleaning the carpet, etc. ) could be done during the winter months when there is no exhibition taking place.
Attendance. This is generally very poor except days when another event is taking place in Manor Farm. We should ask for suggestions from our Members.
A suggestion by Barry Moore was made that the Cow Byre be run more on the lines of commercial art galleries. Here they have there own clientele and spend lots on publicity as well as the maintenance of the gallery and employment of full time expert staff in attendance. These justify the high commission rates, and result in a large volume of sales.
This suggestion should be put before our members, but the initial reaction of the meeting were the following objections.
That alterations to the gallery would be needed to provide a space suitable only for displaying and selling paintings. At present it is used by other Visual Art groups. Photography, embroidery, wood turning, etc.
Who is going to be responsible for the publicity, employment of staff, and other things mentioned above? The Council? Tim? The groups themselves?
Barry suggested that selling a higher volume of works with prices in the hundreds of pounds with the high commission charges would result in considerable extra revenue for the council. I am sure they would that they would say “Thank you very much” provided they didn’t have to do anything or pay any extra themselves.
Although there would be a small number of very gifted amateur and semi professional painters amongst the members of our societies, who would welcome such a move, these exhibitions as they are at present provide valuable experience to those amongst us who still have lots to learn to see our work displayed amongst others of all different abilities.
Furniture. If the Cow Byre is to continue to be used by groups of varying Visual Arts, the question of what tables, display cabinets should be available permanently on site. This includes tables, table top display cabinets, wall mounted cabinets, and so on. We should ask for suggestions from the various groups that make up our membership.
Commission on Sales. A commission is usually charged for services rendered. e.g. an estate agent charges a commission for publicing the house for sale, showing people around, and various other things to secure a sale of the property. Or in the case of an Art Gallery, the cost of maintaining the gallery, publicising it, displaying the pictures, and providing what we call Stewarding but are full time employees. But the council does none of this apart from making the premises available, so in reality the commission they charge (which is not much less than charged in the West End) is for rent only. VAT is chargeable for sale of goods and services rendered, so calling this “Commission” immediately attracts VAT. The suggestion is that our societies would be willing to pay a higher weekly rent, and no commission. We should confirm this with our societies.
Toilets. I was asked to raise the question of toilet facilities, particularly on a Sunday when neither the café, or the library, or the WC Hall is open. Tim said matters were in hand to make the toilets in the forecourt of the Great Barn available.
Fred Davis.