Audley Case Study
Find out how Southampton City Gallery’s ArtLease Scheme is helping Audley Villages elevate retirement living.
“We’re very proud to be part of the scheme.”
Audley Villages is a nationwide/fast-growing provider of retirement living, with 20 villages located around the country. At the heart of each is a unique centrepiece building containing a restaurant, bar bistro, lounges and health and wellbeing rooms.
Interiors to enhance wellbeing / Home is where the art is
In line with Audley’s commitment to high-quality living spaces, the company seeks to enhance these distinctive communal buildings with original art as part of their interior design. With a commitment to enhancing residents’ well-being and creating vibrant community spaces, they have chosen Southampton City Art Gallery’s ArtLease scheme to bring curated artworks into their facilities. Traditional retirement villages can carry a reputation for uninspiring interiors with a lack of visual stimulation, sometimes feeling a little sterile. Audley’s interiors team recognise the importance of fostering comfort, warmth, and a sense of belonging for their owners. However, sourcing and managing a diverse collection of art pieces to reflect the design ethos and quality of surroundings within budgetary constraints can pose a significant challenge.
Curated artwork for the client setting
By collaborating with the Gallery’s dedicated ArtLease team, Audley has gained access to high-quality artworks from an internationally recognised collection. Our team has worked closely with the client to understand their needs. Together we have curated a tailored collection of diverse paintings to suit the unique ambiance of each retirement village; picking up on themes such as landscape or portraiture to suit each client’s design, décor and layout. The implementation process can include a visit to our store to see the paintings and will also include a visit to the client’s venue.
Importantly, clients working with Southampton City Art Gallery know that they are helping to support the conservation of a publicly owned collection, preserving artworks for generations to come.
Installed and managed by a specialist team
Once the artworks are agreed and selected, we make sure that the works are conserved, glazed and ready for display before we arrange delivery. The installation process is managed by a trained team, always mindful to ensure minimal disruption to the residents and at times agreed with our client. We then make an annual visit to keep in touch and ensure that the works remain at their best.
Positive feedback in all seven locations
The results? Our client has chosen to work with us for seven of their villages so far, with others in development. Feedback from residents has been entirely positive, we have even been contacted directly by homeowners looking for more information about a favourite work and to express their pleasure. The vibrant art has sparked conversation, a sense of community and engagement amongst residents. As Cliff Hasler, General Manager at Audley Fairmile, commented “Property owners, visitors, and the team are able to admire the work and regularly comment on the stunning displays.”
Redefining retirement living
By embracing Southampton City Art Gallery’s ArtLease scheme, our client has redefined retirement living, showing a commitment to innovation, creativity and resident wellbeing. This highly successful partnership demonstrates the transformative power of art to shape environments that promote joy, connection and wellbeing and we look forward to evolving similar relationships with other clients across the south.
Header images: Ludlow Castle, William Augustus Enness, oil on canvas; High Street and Bargate, Southampton, Richard Cook, oil on canvas