By Nangamso Mabindla

A 30-minute stroll from the centre of town leads away from the hustle and bustle of commerce to the tranquil tree-lined suburb of Southernwood, where East London's gracious Ann Bryant Art Gallery is located.

The double-storey Victorian building, with its white walls and a green corrugated iron roof, is home to many of East London's famous works of art.

Located just off St Luke's Road, the paved entrance is graced by two rows of white flowers, lending a delicate scent as visitors walk towards the porch of the house. The doorbell is old-fashioned, needing some force to get a sound out of it. As the door opens, the warm wooden floors make an impression.

There is a quiet air to the place, a bit like a library, with the only sound being some creaks from the floorboards. But it is more of a restful than intimidating silence.

Paintings hang on the walls at every turn, with the most valuable being on the second floor. Gallery curator, Leon du Preez, is proud of his domain. "We support local artists from around the province, giving them a chance to get exposure and recognition."

Two very special pieces are on view, Dumile Mhlaba's Going, which dates back to 1966, and Hugo Naude's work Chincherinchees purchased by the gallery in 1948.

The permanent art collection is on display in the house, while the Coach House, next to the main house, is where new artists hold exhibitions. "The old house is mainly for the gallery's acquisitions and special collection," says Du Preez.

A new show, which opens today at 6.30pm at the Coach House, is the annual East London Fine Arts Society's Annual Peep Exhibition, where local artists were invited to produce miniature works for the show.

Encouraging young artists is an important job and the Ann Bryant Gallery features high on the itinerary of the local schools. "We give the learners tours around the gallery, introducing them to art," Du Preez adds. "We want to give young aspiring artists an opportunity to see good art." High school learners also get the opportunity to have their works on display.

Built in 1905 by EDU Bowen for Arthur Savage, the father of local artist Elaine Savage, the house was bought two years later by East London businessman, AE Bryant. He added land to his original purchase, so that the property covered a whole block from Belgrave Road to Oxford Street.

Both Bryant and his wife, Ann, were art lovers and between them built up an enviable collection of mainly British or European artists from the 18th and 19th centuries.

In 1946 Ann Bryant donated the house, known as "The Gables", and her valuable art collection to the City of East London to be used as an art gallery. She asked the council not to change the house so that its Victorian style and elegance was retained. After her death, the gallery was renamed the Ann Bryant Art Gallery.

Alongside the main house is the Coach House, where visitors can buy light lunches and teas, sitting outside and enjoying the soft winter sun. This building, originally stabling for the family's horses and coaches, now houses the more modern exhibitions by younger artists.

An exhibition of New South African Art, by Border Technikon lecturer and artist Samkelo Bunu, is currently on show at the Coach House. Du Preez describes Bunu's work: "The artist tells a story of a black man growing up in the townships, from playing soccer in the dusty streets, to going to the bush and reaching manhood."

Part of the Ann Bryant experience is simply relaxing in the garden, under the trees. There are benches situated suitable distances apart so that visitors need not be disturbed.

Du Preez is trying to encourage more people to visit. "People sometimes assume the gallery is only for certain people, but that's not true - it's for everyone."

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