2020 Has been a tough year.
2020 has been a particularly tough and strange year for everyone, to say the least.
Back in March after consulting with the artists John Atherton, James Low and Fernando M. Romero participants of the group show LURES which opened on the 13th March I made the decision to close the gallery due to Covid-19 and the impending lockdown, the gallery remains closed to date.
Having only just opened Lures, we jointly agonised over this decision, however it seemed the right thing to do under the circumstances. We had fully intended to re-open as soon as conditions would allow. However, every time we discussed doing so, either news of a potential lockdown or other personal issues arose, thus not allowing us to open confidently. Therefore we have decided to remain closed until such time that we can confidently re-open.
At the end of April, my 29 year old daughter Natasha, received the devastating news that her breast cancer had spread, thereafter my time and focus was to be with her and my family.
Natasha passed away on the 11th October 2020, after fighting a very brave and courageous battle with cancer. Natasha was a very positive, beautiful, caring gentle person, hugely talented, with a special gift for connecting with people. She had been traveling in Australia when I launched the gallery in April 2019, she was a tremendous support and encouragement even from that great distance, we would chat and text most days.
Natasha came back to the UK in June 2019 when she received her breast cancer diagnosis. Always one to keep busy she took on a part time job and began helping me with the administration of the gallery whilst under going treatment. Working on the gallery Natasha was a tremendous support putting together shows and dealing with the many issues and problems this involves, it was a real pleasure and such fun doing so with her, it felt so right, such a lovely thing for a father and daughter to share together.
Opening a gallery had been a long-term dream and ambition of mine, I am so glad that I had the opportunity to share it with my beautiful daughter. I am completely devastated and heartbroken, as is my whole family by her passing. Natasha made the most of her life, her attitude was always ‘do it’, which lead her to fulfilling her many dreams and ambitions, making the most of life. Natasha you are in my heart, you will be in my thoughts every single day for the rest of my life.
Natasha Turner 1991-2020, dearly missed by so many, may you rest in peace.
Looking Forward to 2021
I believe Natasha would want and expect the gallery to continue, therefore it is my intention to do so in her memory.
Tension will re-open with a re-launch of the LURES show hopefully sometime early in the New Year, followed with TRUE-FICTIVE NATURE an exhibition by Matt Hale. (Dates to be confirmed & subject to Covid restrictions)
Currently, I am in my final year of an MA at Central Saint Martins, therefore time constraints mean that the gallery may have a restricted program of shows until after my graduation in June 2021.
In the meantime, I would like to thank everyone for their continued support during these difficult times. I would also personally like to thank John Atherton, James Low, Fernando M. Romero and Matt Hale for their continued patience and support during this difficult period.
Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and Happy & Prosperous New Year.
Ken Turner;
Director
Natasha made a vlog during the last 6 months of her cancer battle, below is a link to her Youtube channel, Natasha Turner Breast Cancer Diaries, there are about 16 videos.