Meet
Polly Rowe
“I want Red Bird Gallery to be a destination place where you can walk in and be inspired and appreciate the memorable artworks.”
Hi, I'm Polly, the owner and curator of the Red Bird Gallery.
My creative journey began in the 1980s as a florist in London, where I had the incredible privilege of being Princess Diana’s florist. From there, I moved on to interior design in Scotland and even managed a busy restaurant, all while continuing to explore my passion for art.
When I made the move to New Zealand, I decided to fully immerse myself in the world of art, and I was honored to win the ‘Polychrome Prize’ in the year I graduated. Today, I’m surrounded by the inspiring work of my talented friends and colleagues, which constantly fuels my creativity and passion for art.
I truly believe that we can all add a little more creativity and artistry to our surroundings, no matter where we are.
One of the most rewarding aspects of running the gallery is seeing someone purchase their first original piece of art and begin their own journey as a collector. I love when clients send me photos of their new artwork in place in their homes—it’s such a special moment and a reminder of the power that art has to transform spaces and lives.
Polly Rowe
“The Dogs Favourite Wallpaper”
From Dental Surgery to Art Haven:
The Restoration of Red Bird Gallery
Discover the vibrant world of local art at Red Bird Gallery, nestled in the heart of Timaru’s bustling main street.
Once an old dental surgery, this charming space has been lovingly restored by Polly and her husband into a stunning gallery showcasing the finest works by local artists.
With three distinct display rooms and a cozy studio where Polly creates her own pieces, the gallery offers a unique, intimate experience for art lovers.
Before and After
The exterior gets a facelift
The Gallery Rooms
“The thing Im probably most proud of, is the fact that we’ve saved one of Timaru’s majestic old buildings.”
The Feature Wall
Polly created this feature wall using frames she had thrifted from all over the region. Leaving the original wallpaper in place and placing the frames over top. Finally painting around the frames creating a stunning feature as your head up the stairs into Red Bird Gallery.
