A CONTEMPORARY art gallery has enjoyed a successful first year in Dorchester.

Duke’s has set up the exhibition space at its new premises at Brewery Square, with 12 shows running throughout the year to complement the firm’s auction calendar.

Exhibitions over the past 12 months have included a display of sculpture and paintings from local artist Mike Chapman and a showcase of British portrait talent in the Semblance exhibition, which was produced in collaboration with The Arts Academy in London.

As one of the oldest firms in Dorchester, Duke’s says it is pleased to add a new string to its bow and to showcase some of the brightest local talent.

Gallery manager Maddi Puleston said: “The Gallery has gone from strength to strength in its inaugural year.

“We are pleased to have shown a diverse range of art, and proud to have provided Dorchester with access to some brilliant art and artists, both from Dorset and further afield.”

The venue has also been used by a range of local companies and community organisations such as the Family Counselling Trust, Dorset Opera, the Dorchester Literary Festival and Dorset Visual Arts.

The past year has also seen Duke’s relocate its general saleroom to a more central location in the premises and it has also enjoyed another successful year of auctions, Partner Garry Batt said: “In a difficult financial climate, the basic high value commodities are always strong and the current market has certainly shown this with our most recent pre-Christmas Silver and Jewellery Auction totalling over £600,000.

“In our first full year in our new smart Fine Art Salerooms we are confident we have substantially increased our market share, and provided a fantastic new destination for the arts in Dorset.”

One of the highlights of the year was the sale of a rare Audemars Piguet Tutti Frutti watch in June, which went for more than £95,000.