Brad Kellard, son of late Bristol City Hall of Fame footballer Bobby Kellard, has opened a new art gallery called KELLART in Clifton Village, Bristol. Bobby Kellard, who played for Bristol City between 1968 and 1970 and was inducted into the club's Hall of Fame in 2011, was also a passionate art and antiques dealer after his football career. The gallery, which opens on June 18, aims to give local artists a platform and make original art more accessible to collectors, operating initially as an appointment-only space in the Clifton Arcade.
This story matters because it highlights how personal passion for art can transcend professional backgrounds, with a former footballer's love of collecting inspiring a new generation. KELLART's ethos, as described by commercial manager Tabitha Murrell, is to demystify the art world and encourage first-time buyers, reinforcing the idea that art should be inclusive. It also underscores the growing trend of niche, community-focused galleries in regional cities like Bristol, supporting local creative talent and broadening the collector base beyond traditional art hubs.