We have much to celebrate! It was 1961 when a young, glamorous couple - Audrey and John, opened a Gallery in Chatham. Showing the finest fine art prints and originals from names such as Sir William Russel Flint, Roland Batchelor and Rowland Hilder, they quickly established a reputation for offering quality work. A move to Rochester into the prestigious building Rutland House at 103 High Street continued those standards. 

Audrey and John expanded the business into other areas - offering art materials, craft, cards, gifts and yarn, and over the subsequent years their daughters - Alayne, Nettie and Lucy joined them in running the business - each finding a speciality in which to flourish.

Now, 60 years on, we have the next generation involved in the business - cousins Libby and Patrick who have created the most wonderful addition to Rochester High Street. Store 104 is an independent book shop also selling creative yarns and showing work by Medway artists. They are also providing space for creative events and artist’s studios on the upper floors, and Chris Simmons provides a framing service on the 2nd Floor. Leonards - an artisan café at the back of the shop, serves quality coffee, artisan bakes and wholesome lunches. The building is buzzing as it should.

The artists and work we represent is eclectic and varied, but everything we select has one defining aspect - our artist’s ability to bring quality and joy to our client’s walls. We have loved welcoming customers to enjoy our Bricks and Mortar Gallery, but now it is time for a new chapter in the history of Francis Iles. Nettie and Alayne have retired from the business and we closed the doors at Rutland House on Christmas Eve 2023. Lucy will continue the Gallery Online and at Art Fairs, and with a Home Selection Service.

We are proud to have maintained our parent’s legacy. By helping you create your own legacies with the beautiful artwork you buy, well, it’s an enduring pleasure.