2021-06-23

Captain’s House in Chester reopening as an art gallery

A residence for more than 100 years, which later transitioned to a number of uses, the Captain's House on Chester's Back Harbour now is being given new life as an art gallery.

The property, which was built in 1822 as a home for the Reverend John Seccombe, later went on to become the home of Captain James Allen, who made candy there while the property reportedly was nicknamed Sugar Barley Allen.

In later years, the building became a restaurant called The Sword and Anchor, and, eventually, the Captain's House Restaurant and Inn, which was owned by Niki Butler and her daughter, Charlotte.

In 2009, artist Carol Hansen and husband, Colin MacDonald, bought the elegant property and operated it as a wedding venue and vacation rental. However, after 10 successful years of couples sealing their love, and vacationers finding ocean front tranquility, the COVID-19 pandemic "brought everything to a sudden halt," according to a media release from the new gallery.

"Simultaneously, in 2020 Hansen suffered an injury and spent months rehabilitating. She 'stayed the blazes home' in her Chester studio, and focused on painting," the release explained.

Hansen is expected to reopen the Captain's House doors on June 26 as an art gallery, featuring an exhibition of her work Painting Through the Pandemic. The Gallery will host monthly solo exhibitions, giving artists an opportunity to highlight their work. Currently, the lineup includes folk art collector/maker and musician, Morgan Davis, noted doll maker Joan Doherty and sculptor Beverley McInnes.

"Although COVID ended weddings and vacations at the Captain's House, Hansen followed her dream to open an art gallery and add to the cultural experience in the village of Chester," noted the release.

More information on upcoming exhibitions is available by going to www.carolhansenartist.com on the internet, and clicking on Captains House Gallery.