Debs first set up her gallery in 1991. As a Zimbabwean, Debs knew African artists creating high quality paintings, sculpture, jewellery, ceramics and craft that just wasn’t on the market in the UK.
‘Looking for a small hands-on charity to support, Farm Africa seemed like the ideal choice... my father wrote the first agricultural booklet for Farm at the request of co-founder Sir Michael Wood in 1985.
‘Farm Africa continues to be our charity of choice because it is a proactive organisation which promotes self-help rather than reliance. Many of our artists and crafters live in rural areas and balance their creative output with subsistence living.’
Debs holds three large exhibitions a year, showcasing the best artwork of contemporary Africa south of the Sahara. Most of her work comes from Kenya, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and South Africa.
‘I travel to Africa every year and visit artists at their studios. By choosing the work myself I can guarantee the quality and ensure that the work is unique in this country to our gallery.’
Debs also offers complimentary refreshments, for which she asks for a donation to Farm Africa. Visitors can also take a free African stamp keyring when they make a donation.
The next Fillingdon Fine Art exhibition will be “Seek and Ye Shall Find”, which is open daily from 12th to 26th November 2022. We hope that you’ll pay Debs a visit to take a look at some of the spectacular art and sculpture on display.
Ex-CEO of Farm Africa, Dr Christie Peacock, is a regular visitor to the gallery:
‘Fillingdon Fine Art is the place I go to buy special and unusual gifts. It has the best range of contemporary African art in the UK and finds and promotes young African artists. I am grateful that Art of Africa supports Farm Africa and helps us to make a lasting difference to the lives of farmers and livestock keepers in Africa.’