The Old School Gallery
In April 2014, Dale Maloney and Penny Morrison had just reached the end of their first week as the proud owners of an art gallery housed in Alnmouth’s old schoolhouse. Reality soon set in. It was clear that selling art alone wasn’t going to be enough to keep this business going. A decade later, against the odds, The Old School Gallery is celebrating its 10 year anniversary and is firmly at the forefront of Alnmouth’s resurgence as a destination for artistic retreat.
Alnmouth has long been a haven for artists, drawn by its breathtaking landscapes, historic charm and tranquil atmosphere. Nestled where the River Aln meets the North Sea, this seaside village has captivated painters, writers and creatives since the 19th century. Among the many who found inspiration in Alnmouth’s artistic spirit are Dale Maloney and Penny Morrison, who moved to the village after 20 years of living in Brighton. Immersed in the creative and music scene thriving on the south coast at the turn of the millennium, Dale was the keyboard player for Lo Fidelity Allstars, a British electronic ‘big beat’ band that reached the peak of its fame in the late 1990s, at one point becoming the biggest-selling UK band in America. But with deep northern roots and a desire to start a family, the couple left their city life behind, trading it for what they romanticised as a life of peace, quiet and creative endeavour on the Northumberland coastline.
Their decision to take on an independent art gallery located in Alnmouth’s old schoolhouse seemed an attractive proposition that would allow the pair to live out this dream, offering a slower pace of life that would satisfy their creative minds. The Victorian architecture of Alnmouth’s old schoolhouse is, in many ways, ideal for an art gallery. Its steeply pitched roof and high, vaulted ceilings create an open, airy atmosphere, while the large, rectangular, shouldered arch windows flood the interior with natural light. Even the weathered stone doorway evokes a sense of stepping into something special, as if the building itself enhances the creative experience within. Despite the excellent fundamentals, it didn’t take long for the pair to realise that keeping a rural art gallery afloat would be more difficult than it might sound. They had a serious challenge on their hands. “It was clear from day one that selling art alone wasn’t going to be enough,” Dale recalls with a laugh. But over the past decade, the pair have tapped into their creative reserves, pouring their energy and passion into transforming The Old School Gallery into one of Northumberland’s premier visitor destinations, and pioneering the revitalisation of Alnmouth as both the ‘arty’ corner of Northumberland and a world-class destination for creative retreat.
After ten years in business, Dale and Penny attribute the success and longevity of The Old School Gallery to their ability to continually reimagine ways to attract visitors and, perhaps more importantly, make them stay. “We spend a lot of time thinking about what makes a good gallery,” Penny explains. “What we’ve realised is that our favourite galleries are the ones where you feel as though you can spend the entire day there. That’s what we’ve tried to create here.” Rather than being just a place that displays and sells art, today the Old School Gallery is more akin to a vibrant community hub. Its frequent, expertly curated exhibitions are complemented by a charming café and beautiful gift shop stocking some of the north east’s finest producers. The space also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, from music nights and lectures, to reading groups and pop-up restaurant supper clubs. One of the pair's most successful additions to the gallery is a pizza van, housed in a vintage Peugeot campervan. Every weekend from April - October, they dish up delicious wood fired pizza in the schoolyard, drawing both locals and visitors from near and far. While not every idea is a hit, they embrace the chance to try new things, even if it's just for their own enjoyment. "There are many things we miss about living in a city, so the ability to bring different things to your doorstep is always fun. If it works, great. If not, well, we’ve probably had a great time doing it!” they say.
Penny and Dale’s ‘make them stay’ mantra took on a more literal meaning when they purchased a plot of land overlooking Alnmouth beach with a vision to create a new accommodation option in the village – one that is affordable and free from the distractions of modern life. Long inspired by Alnmouth’s heritage as a place of artistic retreat, the pair were eager to enhance this reputation by providing new, inspiring spaces where creative people of all disciplines can immerse themselves in the beauty of the Northumberland Coast. In 2018, they revealed Shoreside Huts—four off-grid camping cabins designed in collaboration with local RIBA award-winning Elliott Architects. The huts embody a stylish, minimalist aesthetic that has been inspired by the traditional fishing shacks found along the Northumberland Coast. The black timber exterior is a subtle homage to the iconic Ferryman’s Hut at Alnmouth’s harbour. Each hut features wooden interiors, a cozy double bed, solar lighting, a compact washroom, log-burner, and a clever sofabed—all thoughtfully designed for optimal use of space. The success of Shoreside Huts has enabled The Old School Gallery to host a series of artist residencies, bringing a diverse array of creatives to Alnmouth and infusing Northumberland with new perspectives.
When it comes to art, Penny and Dale made the decision to follow their passions rather than opting for safer, more conventional commercial choices. This philosophy has resulted in a collection filled with artworks they truly adore, creating a space that resonates with their personal aesthetic and vision. For them, it is the perfect gallery and helps to keep them both inspired and engaged. Their exhibitions are regular and imaginative, always evolving and means that often each visit is a fresh and exciting experience. They proudly exhibit and sell new work from leading artists, printmakers and ceramicists from across the UK and are passionate about showcasing female artists. Dale is also an accomplished designer himself, and you can find a wide range of his prints on display in the gallery. Not that you’ll necessarily know they are his, as he often prefers not to attribute them to himself! With a wealth of knowledge and experience the pair also offer art consultancy services and can provide assistance for bespoke commissions.
One hundred and fifty years after it was built, thanks to the creative work of Dale Maloney and Penny Morrsion, Alnmouth’s old schoolhouse is once again a hive of activity and inspiration. Here’s to the next decade of creativity!
Photography by Cal Cowie