Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Scotland's Premier Contemporary Art Gallery
Established in 1969, Compass Gallery has been a cornerstone of Scotland's contemporary art scene for over five decades. As a non-profit registered charity, we have consistently championed both emerging and established artists through our dynamic exhibition programme. Our commitment to nurturing artistic talent is exemplified by the annual New Generation Show, which has provided crucial early-career exposure to art graduates since our founding. We pioneered innovative practices such as instalment payment options and thematic Christmas exhibitions that have since become industry standards. Our knowledgeable team maintains a welcoming atmosphere where visitors can engage with diverse contemporary artworks across multiple mediums. With monthly rotating exhibitions featuring solo presentations, mixed thematic collections, and special showcases, we ensure fresh artistic perspectives are always available to the public.Our Glasgow-based gallery space serves as both a cultural hub and educational resource, offering curated experiences that bridge academic training with professional art practice. Through strategic partnerships with Scottish art schools and regional institutions, we continue to shape the national contemporary art landscape. Our archival records document five decades of artistic evolution, providing valuable context for understanding Scotland's visual arts development. As a charity governed by the Data Protection Act 1998, we maintain rigorous standards for preserving both physical artworks and digital records of our extensive exhibition history.
Services
Contemporary Art Exhibitions
New Generation Show
Art Graduate Support
Christmas Art Exhibitions
Artwork Valuations
Private Viewings
Art Collection Consultancy
Exhibition Archives Access
Artist Career Development
Cultural Education Programmes
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- We have supported Scottish contemporary artists continuously since 1969
- Our New Generation Show provides crucial early-career exposure for art graduates
- We pioneered instalment payment options for art purchases in Scotland
- Our knowledgeable team offers expert guidance on contemporary art acquisitions
- We maintain the most comprehensive archive of Scottish contemporary art exhibitions
Services
Contemporary Art Exhibitions
We curate monthly rotating exhibitions featuring contemporary artworks from both emerging graduates and established artists. Our programme includes solo presentations, thematic group shows, and special events that showcase diverse artistic practices across multiple mediums. Each exhibition offers visitors opportunities to engage with cutting-edge contemporary art while supporting artists' career development.
New Generation Show
This annual exhibition provides crucial early-career exposure for recent art school graduates. Since 1969, we have scouted top talent from Scottish art institutions to present their work in a professional gallery setting. The show serves as many artists' first significant public exhibition, offering vital industry exposure and sales opportunities.
Artwork Valuations
Our expert team provides professional valuation services for contemporary artworks. Drawing on decades of market experience and our extensive exhibition archives, we offer accurate assessments for insurance, sale, or collection management purposes while maintaining strict confidentiality for all clients.
Private Viewings
We offer tailored private viewing experiences for individual collectors and institutional representatives. These appointments allow in-depth exploration of current exhibitions with specialist guidance, providing context about artists' practices and market positioning while ensuring comfortable social distancing.
Exhibition Archives Access
Our comprehensive archives document five decades of Scottish contemporary art history through exhibition records, artist files, and photographic documentation. Researchers and art professionals can access this valuable resource to trace artistic careers and contextualise contemporary practice within Scotland's cultural development.
People
Jill Gerber
Gallery Director
Jill Gerber leads Compass Gallery's artistic programming and strategic direction. With decades of experience in the Scottish art scene, she oversees artist selection, exhibition curation, and the gallery's charitable mission to support contemporary art development.
Jane Reith
Gallery Manager
Jane Reith manages Compass Gallery's day-to-day operations and visitor experience. She coordinates exhibition logistics, client relations, and educational programmes while maintaining the gallery's welcoming atmosphere for art enthusiasts at all knowledge levels.
Questions
What are Compass Gallery's current exhibitions?
We present monthly rotating exhibitions featuring contemporary artworks from emerging graduates and established artists. Current displays include 'Figures and Portraits' showcasing figurative works across multiple mediums.
How can I book a visit to Compass Gallery?
You can book a specific appointment through our website, though walk-in visits are welcome during our regular opening hours Tuesday to Saturday.
Does Compass Gallery support emerging artists?
Yes, we've supported emerging artists since 1969 through our annual New Generation Show and by providing early-career exhibition opportunities for art graduates.
Is Compass Gallery accessible for private art consultations?
We offer tailored private viewings with specialist guidance for collectors and institutions seeking in-depth engagement with our exhibitions and artworks.
How does Compass Gallery contribute to Scotland's art scene?
As Scotland's longest-established contemporary art gallery, we nurture artistic careers, maintain historical archives, and provide educational resources that shape the national art landscape.
Can I purchase artworks from Compass Gallery?
Yes, we facilitate art sales with flexible payment options including instalment plans, and provide professional valuation and collection advisory services.
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Reviews (4)
Graham Hendry
Sep 12, 2021
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Generally good but not a lot of recent posts or upcoming info. I understand delays and slower delivery due to Lockdown, but could do with more relevant and updated exhibits.
James Neville
Oct 21, 2020
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Really lovely friendly charity run contemporary arts gallery staff were super informative and helpful. Saw some wonderful works
Caroline Whiting
Nov 01, 2017
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I can't believe this place has received a bad review! The staff are wonderful here, always welcoming and eager to talk about the paintings and painters on display. The quality is superb, and I have been here countless times. Definitely worth a visit.
Phil Dunshea
Sep 25, 2017
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Friendly, knowledgeable staff and a great collection. The exhibitions change all the time and are always worth a visit. Contrary to what one reviewer has said, there's nothing remotely sniffy about the Compass (although they have much to feel sniffy about, if they were so inclined; this is the best small commercial gallery in Scotland, bar none). Avoid it if you have a taste for mass produced junk.
