Could you share your journey with us?

Natalie Clifford: I’m originally from London, and I was surrounded by art and culture from a young age. My mother has always valued the arts, so we spent a lot of time going to the theater and visiting places like the National Portrait Gallery and the latest museum exhibitions in London. Art has always been a part of my life, and I’m lucky that my passion turned into a career that I love.

Before I became a gallerist, I was always fascinated by languages, particularly French. This passion began at a very young age, making it feel natural for me to pursue language studies at university. I graduated with a focus on French and Spanish languages, delving deeply into their cultures and literatures.

Natalie Clifford

From London to Gustavia, how did you end up in St. Barths?

Natalie Clifford: I arrived on the island in 2005 to join my family, who had been living and working here since the 1990s. After university, I wanted to take a gap year to travel and improve my French, and I really wanted to spend more time in France to do that. But once I got to St. Barths, I naturally settled in with my family. Immersed in the local culture, language, and daily life, my passion became a reality. I immediately felt at home on the island, quickly integrating and forming a strong francophone friendship group. I felt immediately at home!

For several years, I managed the gallery at Eden Rock Hotel. Initially, I volunteered to help with this alongside my other responsibilities and I soon realized I had found my calling. It was a job that perfectly combined my passions for language and art. I started organizing exhibitions and events that brought the community together and offered a cultural highlight for visitors eager to discover new art.

Space Gallery St Barth. 

Artworks on view by Gilles Bensimon, Marco Glaviano, Hunt Slonem and Victor Matthews

How did Space Gallery become the place of reference for art on the island?

Natalie Clifford: After a while, I wanted to bring my own vision to life, create my own concept and business, and take things to the next level. I had been on the island for five years and knew this was the place where I wanted to advance my career and plan my future. There was no contemporary gallery on the island, so I decided to create Space Gallery, which opened its doors in 2011. From the start, I aimed to create a gallery that wasn’t just a sterile institution but a welcoming space for discovery, discussion, and the enjoyment of art. The goal was to be a window onto the international art world, introducing new artists and new art forms with a mix of emerging, established, and significant works.

Since then, the gallery has continued to be a hub for meeting and discovery, evolving our program each year to keep it diverse and interesting for art lovers and collectors. I still believe this is at the heart of our mission today.

We began by offering our space to local artists and enthusiasts through weekly still life drawing classes. We even established connections with the local primary school to integrate art into education. Additionally, we aim to use art as a foundation to engage with island initiatives, supporting crucial issues such as the environment, tourism, youth programs, and various local associations. This approach not only enriches our community but also highlights the gallery’s commitment to fostering a deeper connection between art and societal well-being.

Natalie Clifford

Artworks on view by Victor Matthews and Sophie-Alexia Joly de Lotbinière

What charitable initiatives does Space Gallery support?

Natalie Clifford: We try to give back whenever we can. As an official partner of the Bucket Regatta, the gallery dedicates its time and works with the Committee to sell the official poster each year, with proceeds supporting various island associations. Part of the funds go to the St. Barth Yacht Club to support the youth sailing program, but we also highlight other causes like the horse ranch, INE, The Coral Restoration Project, St Barth Handicap, and many more. A few years ago, we also launched a collection of limited edition art prints around the theme of St Barth, with a portion of the sales proceeds donated quarterly to various associations.

Rémy de Haenen Red Flamboyant Tree Sculpture.

What upcoming projects do you have planned? 

Natalie Clifford: First of all, we want to keep evolving our program by showcasing exciting new artists that we hope will captivate the public. We’re also looking to develop new artistic projects within the gallery and expand them across the island.

We continue to work closely with the Wall House Museum to propose and bring interesting projects, supporting the cultural department and aiming to create rich cultural experiences.

We’ve also started adding a secondary market program to our offerings to bring in major pieces with deep cultural significance. Art is essential on the island for both residents and visitors because it adds a cultural dimension to tourism, which is a major asset for any destination to stay competitive and continue to excel. Lastly, we always aim to keep the community involved and make the gallery a central meeting point for everyone.

Natalie Clifford with the artist Nadia Fanelli, presenting Fanelli's Artwork in exhibition

Space Gallery in St. Barthélemy transcends the concept of an art gallery; it is a true haven of creativity where contemporary artworks flourish. With its dynamic program and high-quality exhibitions, it attracts both seasoned art enthusiasts and curious newcomers, showcasing the island’s allure beyond its paradisaical beaches. The gallery offers a unique blend of local charm and international flair .

Under Natalie’s visionary leadership, the gallery radiates passion and dedication in every aspect. Her keen eye for discovering promising talents and her ability to curate captivating exhibitions have made Space Gallery a renowned artistic destination. She embodies the perfect fusion of expertise and artistic sensitivity, enriching the cultural landscape of St. Barthélemy and elevating the gallery on the international stage. Guided by her inspiration, Space Gallery is set to continue thriving, surprising, and inspiring everyone who walks through its doors. This commitment to excellence ensures that each visit offers a fresh and engaging experience, solidifying the gallery’s reputation.

Space Gallery St Barth. 

Artworks on view by Ulf Saupe and Hannah Polskin.

Space Gallery St Barth

Carré d’Or à Gustavia

Opening Hours: 

Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. then from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Phone: +590.590.29.55.24 

Website: www.spacegallerystbarth.com

Instagram: @spacegallerystbarth