Romsey loses creative hub as Forest & Cove closes after five years

The final brushstroke has been painted on Romsey’s creative landscape. Forest & Cove, the Bell Street gallery and workshop space, will close permanently on Wednesday, June 30, ending a five-year run that blended local artistry with community engagement.

Owned by Rebecca Jackson of Wellow, the gallery was more than a retail outlet—it was a canvas for creativity. Stocked with work from regional artists, handcrafted jewellery and bespoke gifts, Forest & Cove also hosted weekly workshops led by resident artists Rebecca, Rachel and Carly. Guest creators used the space to teach classes, turning the shop into a rotating stage for Hampshire’s creative talent.

Jackson, who opened Forest & Cove in 2021 after running a jewellery shop in Salisbury, built the space into a cultural landmark. The gallery earned regional acclaim, winning Muddy Stilettos’ ‘Best Art Gallery in Hampshire & IOW’ in 2023. In 2025, it claimed top prize in One Romsey’s ‘Best Window Competition,’ recognised by former town mayor Cllr Russell Theron for its innovative displays.

The closure reflects a broader struggle among small creative businesses grappling with reduced footfall and rising costs. In a window notice, Jackson wrote, “Over time, we’ve felt the impact of dwindling sales. It’s become clear that it’s time to bring this chapter to a close.” The message acknowledged the community that formed around Forest & Cove—the artists who entrusted their work, the students who attended classes and the customers who turned the gallery into a second home.

Jackson, who holds a degree in fine jewellery making, had spent years crafting and selling her own designs before launching Forest & Cove. The space became a platform for her to merge her artistic practice with community-building, hosting events that drew residents from across Hampshire. Yet despite critical praise and loyal patronage, the financial pressures of maintaining a high-street presence proved insurmountable.

As the June 30 deadline approaches, Jackson is finalising arrangements for the dispersal of remaining stock and the conclusion of scheduled workshops. The gallery’s closure leaves a 930-square-foot void on Bell Street—a space that once buzzed with creativity now silent. For Hampshire’s art scene, the loss underscores the fragility of small cultural hubs in an era of shifting consumer habits and economic uncertainty.