The Coach House Trust Gallery

During high school I used to walk home by the river, and there was an intruiging period where we used to spy a guy sat out in the wilderness carving a massive tiger out an old tree trunk. The mystery man I later discovered, was a former member of the Coachhouse Trust!
The Coachhouse Trust is a highly proactive charity based in the heart of the community, working with the aim of rehabilitating people with a broad spectrum of mental health issues and behavioural difficulties. Although the studio is based behind the shop in the rather ornate Belmont Lane, the place I’m reviewing acts as an exhibition space for the phenomonal creations that have been born from this project. Because the course encourages people who feel isolated to discover their creative potential, the carved wooden sculptures appear to be a captivating mixture of very controlled craftsmanship and untempered, raw ingenuity. The wild and yet completely controlled pieces, varying from birds to naturalistic pieces are beautiful to look at, and even more pleasing when you realise the sheer joy that that been carved by their creators. A guy who used to be part of the program drank in the local bar I worked in — he came in one day with an eagle he had carved from an old tree bark, sat it on top of the bar and instantly got offered 5 grand for it. Such is the calibre of the work exhibited here.
Not only is the gallery worth a look in voyeuristic terms but the effort made from staff and individuals should also be considered, as these pieces are a stunning example of what can come of the emancipated imagination.

The Coach House Trust Gallery on Great Western Road is an art gallery with a bit of a difference. It’s linked to Glasgow’s Coach House Trust charity — and so is all in aid of a good cause.
The gallery owners are really friendly, and are happy for you to have a browse around. You’ll find some wonderful paintings of local sights — including the Western Infirmary, the University and the West End institution that is The University Café. (Although why you’d want to pay £300 for a painting of the University Café I’m not entirely sure).
As well as the more expensive paintings on the wall, inside this gallery you’ll also find some unframed prints of various styles starting from just £20. Great if you’re looking to bring some culture to your home but can’t afford to pay huge gallery prices!