From neglected space to incredible gallery: the start of transforming into Tyger

The space that would eventually become Tyger Gallery, as it was in December 2022.

By Martyn Pearce, Head Tyger

It’s one year since I picked up the keys to what is now Tyger Gallery.

When I walked in that late December 2022 the space was a chaotic, filthy, and sad mess of a place.

It had last been used as a youth centre which had closed some years before that, but it honestly looked like it hadn’t had any upkeep for decades.

Everywhere I looked there was rubbish, graffiti covered the walls, and it smelled awful. It was a place that was unloved, and deeply unwelcoming.

After Yass Valley Council cleared out the old computers, desks and files, I was able to start to see the space for what it could be, although it would take many months of work before it became the Tyger you now see when you walk in.

That summer was hot, at least in the space that would become the gallery. But every day over that festive period I turned up to work on it for many hours at a time: I spent Christmas Day there, Boxing Day too. I was up a scaffold scrubbing ceilings on New Year’s Eve and returned to carry on the job a few hours later on New Year’s Day.

I was not alone in my endeavours, though. The amazing Kirsty Bunfield was overseas, but on constant calls with me - working so hard on absolutely everything involved in setting up an art gallery, from the choice of paint on the walls (there are SO MANY shades of white), to selecting and approaching the artists. She was at the heart of every decision in the gallery and always available to provide help, encouragement and support. I will always be grateful for her continuing brilliant work on the gallery, but that first month was intense - and I’m so thankful she was on board to share the journey.

I also had help from friends who dropped by to muck in. Dear Jenny who so diligently cleaned ceilings and walls with me for days on end. Sara Phemister who frequently came by to work with me, inspire me and lift my spirits. Hannah Cole who brilliantly documented every step of the transformation process. And all the Yass locals who heard about the project and stopped by to meet me, see what I was doing, offer their encouragement and show their support.

And of course I was watched over the whole time by my wonderful dog, Archie.

It would be months before that derelict and disgusting space between the beautiful art gallery visitors see today. But those first few weeks offered plenty of clues of the space it would become, as well as long hours on a scaffold cleaning and scrubbing walls.